Tourism product owners play an imperative role in providing travelers with a unique and memorable experience. Seven of the best tourism players or entrepreneurs in the Free State have made their mark in the tourism industry and their efforts will be rewarded at the glittering Lilizela Tourism Awards.
The Lilizela Tourism awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism; spearheaded by South African Tourism and delivered by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa. The purpose of the awards is to recognise and promote excellence amongst tourism players and businesses to strive for global competitiveness.
“The latest stats SA tourism statistics indicate an increase in international arrivals for the Free State from 6.5% in 2012 to 9.6% as at the end of September 2013. This is a significant improvement for the Free State as this represents 48% growth. This increase moves the province from position eight to position number five out of the nine provinces”, said the MEC Mosebenzi Zwane during the tabling of 2014/15 budget vote. This is good enough reason to want to make sure that our tourism products are of high standard to attract even more travelers to the province.
The competition was divided into four categories, namely; Minister`s Award, Service Excellence, Entrepreneurship and Sustainability and Good Governance (Social, Economic and Environmental). About 33 Free State tourism players and businesses entered the competition this year.
The seven provincial winners will compete with winners from other provinces for the ultimate national title to be announced on the 9th of October 2014.
The details are as follows:
Date: 7 October 2014
Venue: Windmill Casino
Time: 17h00 for 17h30
Media is invited.
Enquiries:
Kagisho Leteane
Tel: 051 400 9631
E-mail: Leteanek@detea.fs.go.za
Festy Nyamate
Tel: 051 400 9548
E-mail: nyamatef@detea.fs.gov.za
