The Cape tourism industry paid tribute to its finest role-players recently when those who offered top-class service, excellent quality and actively encouraged community participation were rewarded for their achievements.
Six exceptional industry players walked off with the coveted awards at the dazzling third annual Cape Tourism Awards ceremony, which was held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The awards went to: the Jan Harmsgat Country House and The Old Gaol Coffee Shop, for emerging tourism entrepreneur; the North Sea Jazz Festival, for tourism event of the year; the Mossel Bay Tourism Bureau, for tourism information bureau; the Cape Town International Convention Centre, for conventions venue/organiser; Faizal Gangat, for tourist guide; and a special Chairman’s Award went to Penny Jones, producer of the ICC Cricket World Cup Opening Ceremony.
Criteria for the awards included contribution to transformation in the industry, community empowerment and growth of tourism to the area as a result of the business, service excellence and the quality of the product.
The judges were hard-pressed to choose winners in each category from the array of entrants, but ultimately selected those who combined economic viability and tourism growth with community upliftment and transformation.
“All those who entered … embody the awards criteria,” said Basil Cupido, chairperson of the Western Cape Tourism Board.
“They are a marvellous example for the Cape tourism industry and, indeed, the rest of the country. Judging by the quality of products from which the judges had to ultimately pick one winner, the Cape tourism industry is not only growing in terms of the amount of tourists we attract, and the innovation of our products, but are making great strides towards transformation on a broader scale,” Cupido said.
The Western Cape minister of tourism and gambling, Joyce Witbooi, praised the winners for their contribution to the promotion of tourism, both within the country and internationally.
“Especially commendable is that each of these winners did their utmost to include as many local community members in their initiatives as possible, thus working towards making the industry more accessible to a broader segment of the population than it was previously and assisting to uplift the communities in which they work.”
Anisha Archary, chairperson of the steering committee for the Cape Tourism Awards and South African Airways vice-president of customer service, said: “Each of these winners has displayed a great deal of innovation and creativity in their business, in addition to a genuine concern for the livelihoods of the surrounding communities. It’s not only about job creation, though that is excellent in itself, but also about skills development and giving people opportunities to develop to their full potential.”
Cupido said: “Receiving one of these prestigious awards is considered a great honour, as such they serve as incentive to encourage everyone to work towards representivity.”