The Northern Cape Province is calling on all tourism service providers in the province to enter the 5th annual Lilizela Tourism Awards. Initiated by the National Department of Tourism, the awards aim to reward service excellence and innovation in the tourism industry.
According to MEC Mac Jack from the provincial Department of Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism, they would like to encourage tourism businesses in the province to enter as it can create great opportunities and exposure. “Northern Cape establishments have done really well in the past and the Lilizela Awards can definitely open doors in terms of showcasing our product offerings to a broad audience. It also validates the province as a premier destination that offers authentic experiences combined with exceptional service to all our visitors. We realise that the hospitality and tourism industries can be really demanding, so this is also a chance to acknowledge our product owners for their dedication and hard work,” mentions Jack.
A panel of industry professionals will judge the various categories and the public can vote for their favourites via an online voting system. Categories include service excellence, universal accessibility, the Minister’s Award for innovation in tourism, and the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards are spearheaded by South African Tourism and according to CEO Mr Sisa Ntshona, sustainability and contribution to inclusive growth have become important considerations in the adjudication process. “Our main objective is to work with the industry towards inclusive growth, while helping to grow new players into the industry. Tourism has, more than any other sector, the potential to act as an engine for growth in South Africa. This includes the potential to create employment, generate foreign exchange, encourage entrepreneurship and act as a driver for other sectors of the economy,” stated Ntshona.
Tourism businesses ranging from accommodation establishments to tour guides and visitor attractions are eligible to enter. Entries for the 2017 Lilizela Tourism Awards opened on 1 March 2017 and close on 31 May 2017.
Previous provincial winners from the Northern Cape have included Brown’s Manor in Upington, 75 on Milner in Kimberley and Jo’s Guesthouse and Hantamkraal Restaurant in Calvinia. The provincial awards ceremonies take place in September 2017 with the star-studded national awards function happening in Johannesburg in October.
Visit www.lilizela.co.za for more details, or follow @Lilizela_Awards on Twitter.
