This award is driven by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, who in 2010 incorporated Universal Accessibility (UA) grading criteria for the first time in its other quality grading criteria. TGCSA will make the Lilizela Tourism Award for Universal Accessibility Experiences to businesses that are accessible for people with disabilities.

The Minister's Award cannot be entered by any business or individual. This Award will be made at the sole discretion of the National Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom. It will go to an organisation, person or event whose contribution to the industry has been exceptional; whose performance has been remarkable; and whose contribution to the industry has elevated tourism’s status as a vital sector of the national economy.

ETEYA only Black (as defined in the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Act) entrepreneurs, who operate small, micro and medium tourism or hospitality-related businesses. They must have been in operation for less than 10 years, employ no more than 50 people and have a turnover of not more than R10 million a year.

This award is driven by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa, who in 2010 incorporated Universal Accessibility (UA) grading criteria for the first time in its other quality grading criteria. TGCSA will present the Lilizela Tourism Award for Universal Accessibility to facilities and services at accommodation establishments and MESE venues that are accessible for people with disabilities.

The Visitor Experience of the year Awards award all businesses that enable visitors to experience the diversity that is offered in South Africa. The are 8 categories within the Visitor Experience awards.

The Tour Operator category is a brand new category that has been launched in the 2015 awards. With the great demand from the industry to award this very important profession, we are pleased to have this category under the Lilizela Tourism Awards.

Tourist Guides Awards are awarded Registered Tourist Guides that have gone beyond the call of duty to make a tourist's experience worthwhile. The Tourist guide awarded is not only very knowledgeable of South Africa and it's offerings in their respective field, but is also professional and ensures that the tourist has a memorable experience in South Africa.

Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events Awards

The Lilizela Accommodation Awards are designed to encourage and motivate you to offer the best service, facilities and product that you can. The Accommodation Category gives you an opportunity – and a brilliant opportunity at that – to celebrate excellence, creativity and innovation. They give us all momentum to learn from each other and to strive to turn an already great industry into an industry that’s brilliant.