Liezl Scheepers
Parys tourism establishments did extremely well again at the 2019 Vaal Explorer Awards at Three Rivers Lodge Villa, Anna Sophia, on 27 November.
The black-tie event was attended by representatives of the business community, Sedibeng Tourism, Golden Triangle Chamber of Commerce and the sponsors.
The awards focused on all stakeholders who have worked hard in making their establishments a success, attracting visitors to the region and delivered consistent service excellence. The stars of the event were the top three finalists in ten categories. Winners in eight of these categories were decided by public vote and those for individuals were judged on public input and a panel of adjudicators.
Here are the results for Parys:
* Graeme and Karen Addison: Gold Award – Tour Guide Category
* Celliers Kruger and Lisa de Speville: Silver Award – Tour Guide Category
* River Rock Guest House: Gold Award – Self Catering Accommodation Category
* Stonehenge River Lodge: Silver Award, Accommodation Lodges Category
* Skydive Parys: Gold Award – Adventure Activity
* Vaal De Grace Golf Course: Silver Award – Golf Course Category
* Parys Golf Course: Bronze Award
– Golf Course Category
Vaal Explorer is the Greater Vaal River Region’s largest online tourism and services information platform for tourists, visitors and residents of the region.
The region is unique in South Africa as it includes parts of four provinces and several towns. Among them are Balfour, Greylingstad, Val, Villiers, Heidelberg, Heilbron, Vredefort, Parys, Potchefstroom, Lindequesdrift, Loch Vaal/Barrage, Vanderbijlpark and Vereeniging. Sasolburg, Meyerton, Midvaal, De Deur, Klipriver, Henley on Klip, Deneysville, Vaal Marina, Frankfort, Oranjeville and Walkerville.