Local tourism establishments shines at national awards function
The awards have grown substantially since they were launched in 2013. This year more than 1 100 entries were received across all categories - making these awards far reaching and widely representative of the national tourism industry
MBOMBELA – The Lowveld of Mpumalanga has produced no less than five winners during the Lilizela Tourism Awards which were handed out last week.
The best of the best in the tourism industry were honoured during this prestigious awards ceremony. It was hosted by the minister of tourism, Mr Derek Hanekom at the Sandton City Convention Centre in Johannesburg on Thursday.
Starting in the provinces where provincial champions were rewarded for their service excellence earlier this year, national Lilizela Tourism Award winners were selected from the shortlist of winners for the ultimate accolade of tourism excellence in the country.
The awards have grown substantially since they were launched in 2013. This year more than 1 100 entries were received across all categories – making these awards far reaching and widely representative of the national tourism industry.
During the countrywide provincial awards, 219 tourism-product owners and service providers in the industry were recognised and rewarded for their contribution to service excellence in tourism and upholding the promise of quality assurance.
Hanekom congratulated those who work in this ever-growing industry in South Africa and commended them for contributing to the transformation and growth of the South African tourism industry.
South African Tourism CEO, Mr Thulani Nzima also congratulated the night’s finalists and winners. “The contribution of tourism businesses nominated for the Lilizela Tourism Awards keeps the sector on an upward trend. We congratulate all the winners and hope they will continue to serve as ambassadors by continuing to showcase the best of our country to the world as tourism continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors,” said Nzima.
Simeliza Tours was the owner of the prestigious Eteya Award, given to BBEE entrepreneurs who operate small-, micro- and medium-tourism or hospitality-related businesses. They must have been in operation for less than 10 years, employ no more than 50 people and have a turnover of not more than R10 million a year.
Inyati Lodge won the Visitor Experience Award – Wildlife Encounters; Blyde Canyon A Forever Resort was announced the best in the category Caravan and Camping; Casambo Exclusive Guest Lodge won in the category for Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events (MESE); Tintswalo Safari Lodge is the Best Game Lodge with a four-star rating and Umlani Bush Camp is the Best Game Lodge with a three-star rating.
Lowvelder spoke to representatives of these companies and asked them how these awards would benefit and position their companies in future.
Eteya Award: Simeliza Tours
Mr Sibusiso Glen Ngwenya of Barberton is the owner of Simeliza Tours. “I feel enthusiastic to see my efforts yielding beautiful results. I feel inspired to work harder on what I’m passionate about and I would also like to thank all the loyal customers who voted for Simeliza Tours and the marketing assistance from the Mpumlanga Tourism and Parks Agency throughout the years.”
Visitor Experience Award – Wildlife Encounters: Inyati Lodge
“Being awarded the Lilizela award for the best wildlife encounter in Mpumalanga two years in a row is a true source of pride for the entire team at Inyati,” said Ms Leighanne Dawkins, marketing manager at Inyati Game Lodge. “We are proud of our knowledgeable and passionate safari guides who are experts out in the field, and are the finishing touch to the fine quality of the Inyati safari experience.”
Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events (Mese): Casambo Exclusive Guest Lodge
“The Casambo family is extremely proud and humbled to be honoured with the Lilizela award. The entire team at Casambo works tirelessly to ensure that our guests receive an extraordinary experience and this award motivates us to do more,” said Ms Carol Sanderson, CEO of Casambo.
Caravan and Camping: Blyde Canyon A Forever Resort
Mr Allan Hoffman, general manager, said the award was very important as feedback from their guests and peers was the only true yardstick they had to measure their performance by. It also served as a reminder that they needed to keep improving their performance as it set a new bench mark for their competitors.
Best Game Lodge with a three-star rating: Umlani Bush Camp
Mr Marco Schiess, the owner, said he was immensely proud of the Umlani team. “It’s a realisation of the Umlani team’s commitment and dedication to excellence. It’s a great honour for us to be a national winner. SA Tourism is the main tourism authority in the country and to be recognised by them specifically is a notable achievement.”
Umlani also won this prestigious award in 2013.
• Tintswalo Safari Lodge did not provide comment at the time of going to print.
