Last night the South African National Department of Tourism (NDT) in partnership with the Lilizela Tourism Awards honoured the national tourism industry players for their contribution to excellence in the tourism industry.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards is an independent initiative of the NDT that seeks to celebrate tourism businesses and offer the public an opportunity to cast their vote for establishments that offer excellence beyond the ordinary.
Speaking at the Lilizela Tourism Awards in Johannesburg today, the Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, congratulated leading members of the industry for helping to grow South Africa’s reputation as a leading tourism destination.
“Our fantastic infrastructure gives us a competitive edge in the highly competitive global market.”
“Last year nearly 10 million tourists visited our country. This enabled our industry to contribute over 9% of the country’s GDP – an injection of over 35 billion into the economy,” said the Minister.
This year’s Lilizela Tourism Awards experienced a growth of 854% in the number of votes received from 2013 to 2014 (784 vs. 7 480), which highlights the importance of consumer reviews.
In addition, visitors to the Lilizela Tourism Awards website spent an average of six minutes compared to the two minutes they spent last year. This indicates that the two-year old brand is gaining traction among consumers.
This year’s highly sought-after Minister’s Award was presented to Mr. Mavuso Msimang. The award honours an individual or business that has made a noteworthy local and global contribution to tourism economically and socially.
Mavuso is currently the CEO of the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation and also sits on several company boards, for corporate and non-governmental organisations.
The National Lilizela Tourism Award winners for 2014 are:
Lilizela IMVELO Awards
Best Single Resource Management – Water
Large
Establishment
Province
ATKV-Drakensville Vakansieoord
KZN
Best Single Resource Management – Energy
Large
Establishment
Province
V & A Waterfront Holdings
Western Cape
Small
Establishment
Province
Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge
North West
Best Single Resource Management – Waste
Large
Establishment
Province
Sandton Sun
Gauteng
Small
Establishment
Province
Southern Sun Newlands
Western Cape
Best Overall Environmental Management System
Large
Establishment
Province
Hotel Verde
Western Cape
Spier Wine Farm
Western Cape
Small
Establishment
Province
African Game Lodge
Western Cape
Economic Impact
Large
Establishment
Province
Aquila Private Game Lodge
Western Cape
Small
Establishment
Province
Bulungula Lodge
Eastern Cape
Investing In People
Large
Establishment
Province
The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
Western Cape
Small
Establishment
Province
Garden Court Hatfiled
Gauteng
Best Social Involvement Programme
Large
Establishment
Province
African Impact
Western Cape
Small
Establishment
Province
Bulungula Lodge
Eastern Cape
Lilizela ETEYA Awards
WINNER
Limpopo Guest Manor
1ST RUNNER UP
Discover Durban Tours & Transfers
2ND RUNNER UP
Osiba Management
3RD RUNNER UP
Park Place Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse
Lilizela Accommodation Awards
1 Star Hotel
Road Lodge East London
2 Star Hotel
Town Lodge Midrand
3 Star Hotel
Umthunzi Hotel and Conference
4 Star Hotel
Grand Café & Rooms
5 Star Hotel
Fusion Boutique Hotel
4 Star Guesthouse
Tranquility Guest House
5 Star Guesthouse
Strandloper Ocean Lodge
3 Star Bed & Breakfast
Tarentaal Oorslaap
4 Star Bed & Breakfast
Gaikou Lodge
5 Star Bed & Breakfast
Hyde Park Villas
4 Star Lodge
Tanamera Lodge
5 Star Lodge
Sarili Lodge
3 Star Self Catering Shared Vacation
Badplaas A Forever Resort : Chalets
4 Star Self Catering Shared Vacation
Orange Grove Farm
5 Star Self Catering Exclusive
Lawhill Luxury Apartments
3 Star Caravan and Camping
ATKV Hartenbos Caravan Park
4 Star Caravan and Camping
Dibiki Holiday Resort
4 Star Country House
De Doornkraal Historic Country House
5 Star Country House
Tenahead Mountain Lodge and Reserve
4 Star Backpacker & Hosteling
Tsitsikamma Backpackers
4 Star MESE
Maropeng Conference Centre
5 Star MESE
The forum | the campus
Universal Accessibility Mobility
Soli Deo Gloria
Visitor Experience of the Year
Action & Adventure
Wild 5 Adventures
Beach Experience
Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa
Culture and Lifestyle
The Maboneng Precinct
Marine Adventures
Raggy Charters
Roots and Culture
Maropeng
Scenic Beauty
Cape Point in the Cape Of Good Hope
Wildlife Encounters
Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and The Jukani Wildlife
Tourist Guides
Nature Tourist Guide
Isaiah Banda
Culture Tourist Guide
Rob Caskie
B-BBEE
Exempted Micro Enterprise
Ubuhle be narha tours
Large Enteprise
City Lodge Hotels Limited