Bloemfontein: The best of the best in the tourism industry were acknowledged and rewarded for their dedication, passion, professionalism and commitment in serving tourist who travel to the Free State with excellence. In its 5th year running, the Lilizela Tourism Awards are one of the tools that the department use to promote and encourage service excellence amongst tourism players and businesses to strive for global competitiveness. The awards happened at the Imvelo Safari Lodge, the newly built, world class black owned lodge just outside Bloemfontein yesterday.
The awards are central to the tourism industry as there is a direct link between number of tourists that visit and the economic growth of the country or province. When tourists get excellent service, they are certain to come back or even recommend the products to family and friends or other people. If the experience was not memorable, they would go look for that somewhere else which is why we need to make sure that they enjoy every unique aspect of the province.
Everyone has a responsibility and a role to play in making tourists experience memorable. All Free Stater’s have a role to play in making sure that this important industry grow and create opportunity for all, especially previously disadvantaged people. This province is known for the warmth of its people and need to use that to ensure that travelers does not forget their stay in the province.
Out of fifty seven entrants (57) entrants, there were twenty one (21) winners who were rewarded with certificates and trophies. These were:
- Gariep A Forever resort – Caravan and camping
- Monte Bello Lodge – Country House
- Lions Rest Country Estate – Country House
- Letsatsi Game Lodge – Game Lodge
- Art Lovers Guest House – Guest House
- Lavender Hill Coutry Estate – Guest House
- Rochilla Guest House – Guest House
- Anta Boga Hotel – Hotel
- De Stijl Gariep Hotel – Hotel
- President Hotel Pty-Ltd – Hotel
- Road Lodge Bloemfontein – Hotel
- Wild Horses Exclusive Mountain Lodge – Lodge
- Lionsrock Lodge – Lodge
- Maria Moroka Resort – Self-catering Shared Vacation
- Mont d’ Or Hotel and Conference – Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Event (MESE)
- Gariep A Forever Resort – Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events (MESE)
- Clarens Xtreme Adventures – Action and Adventure
- Oliewenhuis Art Musium – Culture and Lifestyle
- Clarens Xtreme Adventures – Roots and Culture
- Naval Hill Planetarium – Scenic and Beauty
- Rantseke Rantseke – Culture
All twenty one provincial winners will be competing with winners from other provinces for the ultimate national title to be announced in October 2017.
Addressing more than 200 guests, who ranged from tour operators, tour guides, guesthouse owners and hotel owners, MEC for Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Dr. Benny Malakoane said “you are faced with the most difficult task of satisfying and making your guests have the memorable and unforgettable experience. Serve them with excellence and they will have a reason to come back again. Understand your customers and your competition”.
Speaking to the excited winner in the category of guest houses, Me. Pesalome Moilwa who owns Rochilla Guest House in Welkom said she is honored and appreciative that her excellent service to her valuable guests is recognized. She mentioned that she will carry on to impress guests at all times.
Ms. Amanda Kotze-Nhlapo from the South African Tourism said the Lilizela Tourism Awards not only honours the top achievers but continues to ensure that our industry thrives. She encourages everyone to support #We Do Tourism movement which aims to give citizens a sense of fulfilment, leaving them glad and proud that they helped someone know more about their town and take back a moment of kindness back home with them.
Issued by the Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
For more details, contact Elsie Makhasane @ 051 400 9573/087 803 0980 or ntsane@detea.fs.gov.za
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