2019 Lilizela Tourism Awards winners announced

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The awards recognise and reward exemplary service among businesses in the local tourism sector, ranging from accommodation establishments and tour operators to scenic attractions and cultural heritage sites.

Tourism Minister, Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane paid special tribute to South Africa’s outstanding tourism businesses, some of which have been beneficiaries of the National Department of Tourism’s market access and enterprise development programmes.

"Thank you to the men and women who, in their area of work, go an extra mile to ensure that tourists that travel to our country enjoy a memorable experience. Providing real authentic experiences to tourists is what will sustain and grow our tourism sector. All of us should do this cognisant of the fact that tourists have no obligation to choose South Africa as a tourist destination.

"Tourism is a very competitive sector and demands from all of us to offer tourists a distinct, authentically South African and memorable experience so that they can return to our country again and again, or even better entice others to come along with them in their subsequent visits. As we cast our eyes into the future, we must continue to ensure that we transform our sector inclusively and to showcase more authentic and uniquely South African experiences," ," said Kubayi-Ngubane.

Celebrating SA culture and heritage

This year’s awards coincide with South Africa’s 25 years of democracy commemorations and honoured the tourism excellence born as a result of this history. In support of Government’s efforts to promote sustainable tourism and youth employment, a Sustainability Village showcased SA’s arts and craft.

The Minister and other special guests toured the Sustainable Village curated space for selected black-owned businesses to market their products at the venue, all of which are proudly made in South Africa. Many of their products are also inspired by South African culture and heritage, and are beautifully handcrafted using sustainable materials which is why we are proud to support this initiative.

In total, 66 awards under eight categories were handed.

Bheki Dube of Curiosity Backpackers was awarded the prestigious "I Do Tourism" award. Introduced in 2018, this award recognises proudly South African organisations or individuals who, through sheer dedication and passion, have excelled in positioning the country as a tourism destination of choice, contributing to the vibrancy and growth of the sector.

The winners, within in their respective categories, are as follows: