The South African tourism industry celebrated its top business owners and service providers at the fourth annual Lilizela Tourism Awards held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 16 October 2016.
From this year’s record number of 1122 entries, Tsogo Sun’s Garden Court Blackrock in Newcastle was awarded the national winner of the Service Excellence Award in the three-star category. The hotel was recognised as the best accommodation service provider in the country and for making an exceptional contribution to the hospitality industry.
“We congratulate the General Manager, Leean Murugan and her team on this prestigious award. The team has been working very hard to deliver on our service promise and to be recognised at the highest industry level is a true honour.” says Mike Jackson, Tsogo Sun Operations Director for Kwazulu Natal.
The Awards are made in a number of categories including the Service Excellence Award (with sub-categories Accommodation, Visitor Experience, Tourist Guides and Tour Operators); Entrepreneurship (for emerging tourism businesses); Sustainability and Good Governance; and the prestigious Minister’s Award, awarded at the minister’s discretion.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards were established in 2013 to 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.
