Limpopo awards leading tourism entrepreneurs

The provincial Lilizela Tourism Awards ceremony was held at Hans Merensky in Phalaborwa last Wednesday evening.

The event was part of the premier tourism awards programme for tourism business in the country that aim to reward and celebrate excellence across the tourism industry.

Lilizela is a nguni word which means to ululate: a uniquely African way of congratulations when someone has done something well.

According to the acting Chief Executive Officer of Limpopo Tourism Agency, Seipati Tlaka, the awards recognize and reward tourism players and business that work passionately and with pride to deliver world class service and whose delivery grows South Africa’s global competitiveness as a destination.

“Testimonies received from tourism products and services that have previously participated in such highly contested national competitions and awards, suggest that the marketing exposure and mileage received has been very beneficial towards the various tourism products and services, hence our request to have more products participating in future competitions and awards,” said Tlaka.

MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism (LEDET) , Seaparo Sekoati said congradulated the winners and urged them to double their efforts so that they can win the national awards to take place later this year.

“Let me wish all tourism products and individuals that showed entrepreneurial courage by participating in these awards but to also congratulate all the provincial winners who will be proceeding to the National Tourism Lilizela Awards where they will compete with winners from other provinces,” said Sekoati.

Orion Makgoebaskloof Hotel scooped the best three stars hotel in the province award, Fusion Boutique Hotel won the best five stars hotel title, Jack Safari Lodge was awarded the best five stars lodge whilst Forever Resort Blyde Canyon Chalets was announced as the best three stars self-catering shared vacation.

Limpopo Guest Manor got the provincial Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA). Mpho Setlhako won the tourist guide award in the culture category while Tshamane Banda won the tourist guide award in the nature category.