The North West Department of Tourism would like to profusely express it’s appreciation to all tourism and hospitality establishments across the province who have entered for the 2016 Lilizela Tourism Awards which will be held in September. Entries for the Lilizela Awards was opened on 1st March 2016 and was closed on 31st May 2016
Departmental spokesperson, Dineo Lolokwane said that her department applauds this year’s entrants and that the tourism and hospitality establishments in her province are willing improve themselves through such platforms created by government.
“As a department charged with the mandate of growing the tourism sector and subsequently the economy, we appreciate tourism and hospitality establishments who have entered for these awards. Although competitive in nature, the Lilizela Awards are one of the mechanisms used to measure industry standards and also showcase various establishments which are performing excellently beyond expectation. These awards are a celebration of excellence within the industry”, she said
Lolokwane went on to urge other tourism and hospitality product owners in her province that did not enter to enter for next year’s awards. She highlighted that some establishments could not enter simply because they are not graded. “One of the criteria to enter for the Lilizela Awards is being graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA). We have signed a service level agreement with TGCSA and we will be assisting almost hundred and fifty establishments in the province to get graded. This will enable them to enjoy a basket benefits which includes being able to enter the Lilizela Awards to compete with the best”, she said
Director for Tourism Sector Transformation, Education and Awareness, Bella Gumede said this year approximately 53 entrants have been registered in various categories and that the adjudication process which will be conducted by South African Tourism (SAT) through an adjudication committee composed by industry experts from all nine provinces will then unfold.
“After the adjudication process is done, we will proceed with the awards ceremony which we envisage will be in September. All provincial winners will then proceed to represent the province at national level in October”, she said.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards recognise and reward tourism players and businesses who work passionately and with pride to offer world class products and services in contributing to growing Tourism in the province and South Africa’s global destination competitiveness.
Enquiries
Dineo Lolokwane
Tel: 018 388 2081
Cell: 072 542 8444
Email: dlolokwane@nwpg.gov.za
