BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central has won both the regional (Africa) and global WTM Responsible Tourism Gold Awards. The awards welcome entries from responsible tourism enterprises around the globe which are first assessed regionally at the four World Travel Market (WTM) shows, namely WTM London, Arabian Travel Market, WTM Latin America and WTM Africa. The regional winners are then judged together to identify the global winners.
“Looking at the calibre of all the nominees, we were absolutely honoured to receive the regional WTMRT Gold Award and even more so to scoop the Global Award. The recognition for the work that we’ve put in feels wonderful, but the real joy comes from knowing that our efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of our staff members and of those within our community,” comments Pieter Van Rooyen, GM of the hotel.
“The recognition for the work that we’ve put in feels wonderful, but the real joy comes from knowing that our efforts are truly making a difference in the lives of our staff members and of those within our community.”
Enabling diversity in tourism
BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central has long been celebrated for its efforts to increase diversity in tourism. One of its key achievements in this regard is its unique shareholding structure. The hotel is owned by three shareholders, with the remaining 51% of the shares in the business being allocated to staff. Everyone working in the hotel therefore has a share in its success, from the cleaners to the managers.
“The staff have ownership, which facilitates staff retention through development and promotion—and enhances service delivery. Most of our management team have progressed through the ranks,” explains Van Rooyen.
Other responsible initiatives at the hotel include its world-class training and development programme, and a long-standing partnership with Towers of Hope, an NGO that is located across the street from the hotel and that works to improve the lives of marginalised citizens in the inner-city of Bloemfontein.
A model to replicate
Guy Stehlik, CEO of BON Hotels, received the award on behalf of the hotel’s staff at the WTM London event, on 7 November. He says, “Fifty years on and BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central is still rated as one of the best hotels in South Africa. And while it has a long history and strong roots in the Bloemfontein community, it’s ahead of the curve when it comes to issues of empowerment, sustainability, and responsible tourism.”
“Fifty years on and BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central is still rated as one of the best hotels in South Africa.”
“We’re very proud of BON Hotel Bloemfontein Central’s recent achievements and send our heartiest congratulations to each and every member of the team. We look forward to seeing how this hotel and all the others within our portfolio will continue to make their mark on the African tourism industry and in the hearts of all who visit our magical continent,” concludes Stehlik.
