The Western Cape’s tourism industry scooped top honours at a national awards ceremony recognising service excellence.
Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism congratulated the province’s sector for winning 15 accolades at the National Department of Tourism’s inaugural Lilizela Awards.
The province’s establishments raked in the top awards out of more than 1 000 submissions from across the country. Nine establishments won in the service excellence category while the V&A Waterfront’s resource management system was also recognised.
Niseen Bulbulia, from Citi Hopper, won the Eteya award, which recognises excellence in black-owned small businesses. Based at the Cape Town International Airport, this shuttle offers travel services across South Africa.
The National Department of Tourism has billed the Lilizela Awards as a “benchmark for excellence” in South Africa’s industry.
The ceremony took place on Thursday evening (12 September 2013) in Tshwane.
Minister Winde commended the winners, adding that their achievements would boost domestic tourism.
“Great service is one of the key factors in repeat visits and I’m pleased our establishments have set the standard for service excellence. The winners also garnered nationwide exposure for their own establishments and for the destination as a whole. I hope the awards serve as an inspiration to the industry.” In 2011, visitors contributed R18.2 billion to the region’s economy and the industry employs more than 100 000 people.
The national industry contributes R189 billion to the country’s gross domestic product. “In the Western Cape we aim to grow the tourism sector’s contribution to the region’s GDP from 10% to 15% by 2015. To ensure we reach this goal, we must embrace service excellence and continue to give potential visitors new reasons to travel to the province,” said Minister Winde.
Judy Lain, Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro, the province’s tourism, trade and investment agency, said acknowledging the businesses achievement was a positive step for the industry.
"The fact that we are acknowledging all of these outstanding businesses is a positive step for the industry and I know that this awards ceremony will only grow from strength to strength. These winners have done the Western Cape proud. They are all entrepreneurial, forward thinking captains of industry and are true examples of how we can positively drive tourism in our province, "A special mention must go to Nisreen and her team from Citihopper who walked away with the ETEYA award. She has shown that through hard work, a clear vision and creative thinking you can achieve your goals. We are very proud of her," said Lain.
The Western Cape winners are:
Service Excellence in Accommodation
Atlantic Backpackers (Backpackers)
Charlotte House (Self-Catering)
Villa Lavaya (Self-Catering)
Cape Grace (Hotels)
The Last Word Constantia (Guest House)
Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park (Caravan and Camping)
Dibiki Holiday Resort (Caravan and Camping)
Grand Dedale Country House (Country House)
Earthbound B&B (Bed and Breakfast)
Entrepreneurship (ETEYA)
Citi Hopper
Best Single Resource Management Programme – Water
V&A Waterfront
Best Single Resource Management Programme – Energy
V&A Waterfront
Special Judges Recommendations
Platter Golf (Pty) Ltd
Best Overall Environmental Management System
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Universal Accessibility
One & Only Cape Town
For media queries, please contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
