Minister to Announce Western Cape Finalists for Tourism Awards | Western Cape Government

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Minister to Announce Western Cape Finalists for Tourism Awards

22 August 2013

The Western Cape’s best accommodation establishments will compete in the national Department of Tourism’s inaugural awards to recognise the country’s top players.

Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, will announce the finalists tomorrow (23 August 2013).

Minister Winde said the Western Cape’s 47 finalists represented a broad range of what the local accommodation sector has to offer.

Among the nominees are hotels, bed and breakfasts, guest houses, caravans and backpackers.

This is the national Department of Tourism’s first Lilizela Tourism Awards, designed to recognise excellence in the industry.

Judged considered a range of criteria and online presence was one of the ley factors. Scores and grading reports from Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) were another factor.

Judges come from across the tourism sector, including representatives from the national Department of Tourism, South African Tourism, the TGCSA and leading travel media.

During Tourism Month in September, 182 finalists from the country’s accommodation sector will attend the inaugural awards ceremony.

“I am looking forward to meeting our finalists, I am sure they will make us proud when they compete in the national awards in September. What I would like see is our businesses is embracing innovation to provide better services to tourists to grow our reputation as a preferred destination for international and domestic travellers,” said Minister Winde.

The tourism sector in the Western Cape employs 150 000 people. Last year tourists spent R18 billion during their stay in the province.

Media Enquiries: 
Bronwynne Jooste
Spokesperson for Minister Alan Winde
Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Tourism
Tel: 021 483 3550
Cell: 082 454 4365