OUTSTANDING TOURISM ENTREPRENEURS HONOURED AT THE 3RD ANNUAL DURBAN TOURISM BUSINESS AWARDS
The Durban Tourism Business Awards lived up to expectation last night, 13 June, with outstanding tourism businesses receiving excellent honours at the prestigious awards ceremony held at Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
The awards have gained momentum since inception, providing a tangible impact on the tourism sector and a much-needed boost. This is through recognizing and honoring outstanding businesses and individuals in the tourism industry to advance their products, services and establishments.
This year, the number of entries received increased drastically compared to last year which is clear indication that this City’s brainchild is impactful. The winners walked away with cash prizes up to R50 000 while the first runners up bagged a development prize to the value of R35 000 with the second runner-up walking away with prizes valued at R25 000. The development prizes handed over to runners-up included laptops, printers and tablets.
The Exceptional Achievement Award winners were awarded an international study tour worth R100 000. In addition, all the winners will be provided with extensive marketing opportunities to advertise their businesses.
Arthouse Pictures scooped the Upcoming Film-Makers awards for their exceptional work to showcase Durban as a film destination of choice. Service Excellence Awards under hotel group was won by Suncoast Hotel & Suncoast Towers who were excited to receive such a remarkable honour.
The Silokazis Events Venue was named the winner under the Meetings, Exhibitions, and Special Events Venues category, while Phezulu Safari Park took the first prize for Exceptional Visitor Experience Award. Durban Walking Tours won the Tour Guide Awards and Golf Course Boutique Guesthouse won under the non-hotels group.
The winners of the Exceptional Achievement that recognises tourism products and businesses that have done exceptionally well in various fronts are as follows: The multi-award-winning Grammy’s Award recipients Ladysmith Black Mambazo was honoured under Creative Industry, Mojos Shisayama won under Hospitality category, Cabana Beach Resort took honours in the Investment, Umgababa based Coastal Lounge was rewarded under the Rural Investment and Township Economy Development, and Grand Bali Resort was named the best for Product Owners with Disabilities.
T&T Bed and Breakfast won the Green Tourism Award for the second consecutive year. It was also a second time for Mfanafuthi Nxumalo, who came tops when the Awards launched and again this year under the Ricksha Puller category.
The popular Zai Restaurant located in Florida Road precinct scooped the Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur Award. Event And Co SA Enterprises took the Events Owners and Promoters Award.
Furthermore, the Tour Operator’s Award was presented to Travel For Change and Christine Andrews was rewarded under the Crafters category.
