Durban Tourism honoured top performing tourism businesses during a glittering event at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre yesterday, 18 June.
The 4th annual Durban Tourism Business Awards highlighted innovation and excellence within the tourism sector, providing a platform to showcase Durban as the best tourism and investment destination.
Durban Tourism received 161 entries for the awards, and after an extensive adjudication process, the finalists were selected ranging from hotels and crafters to tour operators and rickshaw pullers.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the City is pleased with the interest shown by tourism product owners in the awards, demonstrated by the increase in submissions in certain categories.
“The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions category saw an increase in entries from 30 percent to 62 percent. The Filmmakers and the Universally Accessible and Green Sustainability Award categories doubled their entries compared to the previous year, reflecting a growing interest and commitment in these important areas,” he said.
The prize giving ceremony saw winners from the 17 categories walk away with cash and development prizes to boost their tourism businesses.
The winners in each category received cash prizes up to R50 000, while the first runner up bagged a prize to the value of R35 000.
The second runner-up walked away with R25 000. Exceptional Achievement Award winners received an international study tour worth R100 000 and will be provided with extensive marketing opportunities to advertise their businesses.
- Simon Sibiya, a rickshaw puller who operates along the promenade, walked away with the Best Rickshaw Award for his outstanding work. He thanked Durban Tourism for recognising his rickshaw business, adding that the award encouraged him to continue to provide excellent service to tourists.
- The Accommodation (Hotel) and MESE (Meetings, Exhibitions, and Special Events) Awards was won by Coastlands uMhlanga.
- The Accommodation (Non-hotel) Award saw View Boutique Hotel and Spa take home the prize.
- Gary’s Horses won the Exceptional Visitor Experience Award while KasLam Events took home the award for Events Owners and Promoters.
- The winner of the Tour Operators Award was Durban Fever Travel and Tours while Sanele Mvuyane was named the winner for the Tour Guides Award.
- Gugu Mobile Boutique walked away with the award for Best Crafter while Wheels on Waves took the Universally Accessible and Green Sustainability Award.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli congratulated all the winners, saying they deserve to honoured for their hard work and dedication.
Speaking during the awards ceremony, Councillor Ntuli said: “Tonight’s winners should receive these awards with our sincere appreciation for the important role that they continue to play in advancing the City’s economic development agenda. The resilience all finalists have displayed is noted and is indicative of their excellence in their sphere of expertise.”
Testimonials from previous winners indicate that their prize money is often reinvested to help grow their businesses. They also shared how the exposure received from the awards expanded their network and boosted their services.
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