Fifteen local accommodation establishments set to win awards

Mluleki Mrwebi
25 August 2013

Fifteen local accommodation establishments have been put in line to take top honours at the National Department of Tourism’s inaugural awards in the Western Cape.

The Lilizela Tourism Awards was launched by National Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk, at INDABA 2013 in May to recognise tourism businesses that enhance South Africa’s global destination competitiveness.

Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, announced the Western Cape’s 15 winners, out of 47 finalists, at the provincial awards ceremony on Friday at the Westin Grand Hotel.

Minister Winde wished the Western Cape entrants well ahead of the competition, commending the finalists for their efforts in their industry. “Tourism is one of our biggest growth sectors and we need to continue to be a competitive and attractive destination for visitors. One of the benefits of this competition is that our local finalists gain exposure for themselves and for the province, which could be a boost for domestic tourism,” said Minister Winde.

Winning entrants ranged from luxury seaside accommodation along the Atlantic Seaboard to caravan parks on the Garden Route. The province’s accommodation sector achieved 16.3 million bed nights last year. 

In 2012, the Western Cape welcomed 1.3 million visitors in the province.

Thembi Kunene, the interim chairperson of the Lilizela Tourism Awards, congratulated the winners, adding that their efforts “have ensured that the Western Cape is a major player in our country’s tourism sector,” said Kunene.