The best of the best in the tourism sector celebrated at the Provincial Lilizela Tourism Awards

KKwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has announced the names of 45 provincial finalists at the 5^th Annual Lilizela Tourism Awards hosted by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala at a glitzy ceremony held last night, 7 September 2917, at Umfolozi Casino in Richards Bay.

Billed to recognise and celebrate tourism business for their excellence, their contribution to the country’s global competitiveness and for their role in growing the sectors contribution the GDP as well as the creation of new employment opportunities, the awards aim to recognise those that deliver world class experiences and services in KZN and South Africa.

The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala reiterated the importance of excellent service in the tourism sector and said “Recognition of achievement enhances our performance and stimulates the motivation for greater success in the future. Excellent service serves as a basis of growing our Provincial tourism sector. If visitors receive great services here, they will keep coming back to KZN and will also serve as our ambassadors who will spread the word about our destination back home.”

The provincial awards are being held in the month of September – which is also the time the South Africa and the tourism industry at large celebrate Tourism Month. This year, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal will use this month to drive the “We Do Tourism” campaign that echoes the importance that ordinary citizen plays as ambassadors of tourism.

Zikalala concluded the night by thanking members of the tourism sector for the example they are setting for others, “Through the Lilizela Awards, we showcase our proud beacons of excellence and we are confident that it will encourage tourism stakeholders to continually provide world class, authentic, memorable experiences to local and international travellers. This will foster success in tourism and resulting in a more sustainable tourism sector.”

The KwaZulu-Natal provincial winners as selected by independent judges are:

The National Winners will be announced at the Sandton Convention Centre on 29 October 2017

To view the full list of finalists and winners visit www.lilizela.co.za                                            

ENDS

About Tourism KwaZulu-Natal

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal was established in 1996 and is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of tourism into and within the province, both domestically and internationally. The organisation is an entity that reports to the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

Social links to Tourism KwaZulu-Natal:

Website: https://www.zulu.org.za

Facebook: Tourism KwaZulu-Natal

Instagram: Tourismkzn_offical

Twitter: @TourismKZN

Pinterest: KZN Tourism

Hashtags: #GottaLuvKZN

For more information please contact:

Mr Bongani Mthiyane

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal: General Manager: Marketing

031 366 7512 (Office)

078 762 8531 (Mobile)

bongani@zulu.org.za