Victoria Falls Safari Lodge wins awards

Africa Albida Tourism staff receive the Best Self Catering Award for Lokuthula Lodges from AZTA chair Ruby Tombindo

Another Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) property, Lokuthula Lodges, again, won the Best Self-Catering award, and the group's marketing executive Wendy Bourne won the award for the Most Outstanding Voluntary Service to Travel Agents.

The annual AZTA Awards, which reward airlines, lodges, agents and companies for service excellence, as voted by the Zimbabwe travel industry, were presented at a 1920s "vintage picnic" themed ceremony at Wild Geese Lodge in Harare.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, was awarded Best Resort Hotel, ahead of Victoria Falls Hotel, which took second place, and the A' Zambezi River Lodge, which took third place in the same category. Lokuthula Lodges won the Best Self Catering award ahead of Victoria Falls Rest Camp and Antelope Park placed second and third respectively.

AAT chief executive Ross Kennedy said given the increasingly competitive environment in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and the region, along with difficult trading conditions, the group is honoured and delighted to once again receive these awards from AZTA members.

"The entire AAT team strives to deliver wonderful experiences and holidays to our guests, from across the world and this recognition is very satisfying and rewarding for us all," Mr Kennedy said.

"To see Wendy Bourne once again recognised for her ever present energy, commitment and selfless dedication to the industry is a source of great pride for AAT, and an award she so richly deserves," he said.

Other award winners included the Meikles Hotel for Best City Hotel, with Cresta Lodge and the Bronte Hotel taking second and third place respectively, while the award for Best Boutique Hotel went to Pamushana Lodge.

Ballantynes Lodge won Best Bed & Breakfast/Guesthouse, while Amanzi Lodge and Highlands Lodge took second and third places respectively.

Best Safari Establishment - Non Tented was won by Camp Amalinda, while Best Safari Camp - Tented went to The Hide Safari Camp, Hwange.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is the flagship property of Zimbabwe-owned hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism, which operates hotels and restaurants in Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana.