Top tourism industry players receive accolades
The evening was more than just an award ceremony: it was a reaffirmation of Tshwane’s place on the global tourism map. From grassroots entrepreneurs to luxurious five-star establishments, the city's tourism community continues to rise, adapt, and inspire.
The spirit of resilience, innovation, and excellence in the tourism industry was on full display at the Tshwane Tourism Association Awards Evening, held on August 16 in Montana.
The prestigious event, attended by industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and government representatives, celebrated outstanding achievements across many tourism-related categories, recognising the unsung heroes who have kept Tshwane’s tourism sector thriving, even in the face of significant challenges.
Susan Marais, chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association, set the tone for the evening by emphasising the integrity of the awards process.
“There were lots of categories, and a panel of experts handled the judging. The Tshwane Tourism Association had no part in the selection process,” she said.
“Judging took place independently. So, tonight, we can truthfully honour the most resilient tourism industry players in the wildest capital in the world, people who, like myself, would not want to live anywhere else.”
Indeed, the winners represented a cross-section of Tshwane’s dynamic tourism landscape, from luxurious lodges and boutique hotels to innovative tour operators and vibrant local attractions.
Sarah Mabotsa, MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, underscored the importance of tourism in the metro’s economic vision.
“Tourism is one of the most critical areas of growth in the metro’s planning. It is part of our revival strategy to grow the economy and get a solution to unemployment,” she stated. “We want to attract R77-billion across the board of all industries and want to partner with investors to achieve that. This includes tourism.”
Mabotsa also revealed a strategic push to tap into Pretoria’s diplomatic footprint. “We have just appointed a new head of tourism, and a key focus will be on getting embassies involved. There are 126 embassies in Pretoria. We need to use that leverage.”
Delivering the keynote address, Boshoff Grobler, owner of Phahama Lodge and co-founder of the Adventure Institute, praised the tenacity of Tshwane’s tourism entrepreneurs.
“I think the business people in the tourism industry in Tshwane are the most courageous on the continent. They have found a way to do something impossible,” he said.
“All of us have a role to play, and one of the ways we can give visitors to Tshwane something special is to give them intentional experiences where all their needs are met.”
Among the evening’s most touching moments was the acceptance speech by Charl Pretorius, winner of the Lodge of the Year category for his establishment, Kwalata Game Lodge.
“What a night! I have had this moment in mind to be the best since 1992, when I had this dream of starting a lodge while sleeping next to a campfire. Now we can sleep 100 visitors at the lodge as well as 200 schoolchildren, in an area where you can see the Big Five. Our industry here is on its way to give Cape Town a run for its money for being a leading tourism destination.”
The winners and finalists exemplified the depth and breadth of Tshwane’s tourism sector:
– Guesthouse of the Year went to Noxolo Guesthouse, with 137@ Murray Street Guesthouse, Casa Toscana Lodge being among the finalists.
– Tour Operator of the Year was awarded to Ulysses Tours & Safaris CC, ahead of Famba Famba Tour Design Specialists and La Luonde Tours.
– Restaurant of the Year went to Capital Craft Beer Academy, beating Eat In Italian and LeSi Restaurant at Casa Toscana Lodge.
– Spa and Wellness Provider of the Year was Mangwanani Spa, with Incognito Spa and Events Pty Ltd and L’abri Day Spa Pretoria as the finalists.
– Lodge of the Year was won by Kwalata Game Lodge, with MELA Luxury Game Lodge and Ritsako Game Lodge named as finalists.
– Supplier of the Year was eCom, followed closely by Albacoxe Productions, Q2B Solutions, and Travelex.
– Education and Training Provider of the Year went to The Capital Hotel School and Training Academy, with School for the Art and Science of Event Management (by Conference Consultancy South Africa) as other finalists.
– Hotel of the Year was Menlyn Boutique Hotel, with strong competition from City Lodge Hotel Hatfield, Garden Court Hatfield, and The Maslow Time Square Hotel.
– Tourist Attraction of the Year was awarded to Bill Harrop’s ‘Original’ Balloon Safaris, with an impressive group of finalists including Acrobranch Adventure Park, Adventure Zone Africa, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures at Oxbow Country Estate, Time Square, and Voortrekker Monument.
– Conference and Events Venue of the Year was Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, ahead of CSIR International Convention Centre, Inani Hotels’ Morning Star, Menlyn Boutique Hotel, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Southern Sun Pretoria, and Sunbet Arena Time Square.
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