Province's top tourism establishments to compete in national awards
The Western Cape’s top tourism performers, which were announced at the weekend, will represent the province’s sector at a national awards ceremony next month.
On Friday, 4 September 2015, the winners of the Western Cape leg of the Lilizela Tourism Awards were announced at a gala event at Moyo, Kirstenbosch Gardens.
The awards are an initiative of the National Department of Tourism, in partnership with provincial tourism authorities, which seeks to honour excellence in the sector.
Alan Winde, Minister of Economic Opportunities, congratulated the winners and thanked them for their contribution to the province’s economy.
“Globally, the Western Cape is recognised as a leading destination for leisure and business tourism. It is through the efforts of the 204 000 people employed in the tourism sector that we have been able to build and maintain this reputation. Project Khulisa has identified tourism as a growth sector which has the potential to add up to a further 100 000 jobs to the local economy. Residents will be important partners in reaching this goal.”
Minister Winde said the winners were selected based on customer votes and an adjudication process.
“The Lilizela Awards recognise service excellence, as voted for by tourists. Great service is one of the key factors in repeat visits and the Western Cape’s establishments have set a high standard for service excellence. We had a great showing last year and I wish our sector well ahead of this year’s national competition.”
This year, for the first time, the Minister’s Award was introduced at a provincial level. The winner of this award is chosen directly by the Minister, and is given to an establishment or person that has made an exceptional and special contribution to the industry. “I was very pleased to present the inaugural Minister’s Award to the Cape Trails Partnership – Ashwell, Jason, Brendon and Denzel. These guys, from Grabouw, are building some of the world’s best and most recognisable mountain bike trails. They are making an enormous contribution to our cycling tourism economy, and I wish them success into the future,” said Minister Winde.
Provincial winners are entered into the national awards, which takes place on 22 October 2015 at the Sandton Convention Centre.
September is Tourism Month and Minister Winde’s official programme for the month includes showcasing heritage tourism with a ‘Cape Town on Foot’ walk. Minister Winde will also be visiting the Barn Khayelitsha later this month, with a focus on business support for local tourism enterprises.
For media queries, kindly contact:
Bronwynne Jooste
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 060 970 4301
E-mail: bronwynne.jooste@westerncape.gov.za
