West Rand Tourism Awards recognise tourism excellence

February 20, 2012 – Bianca Bothma

More than 40 awards were handed to the top tourism establishments in Gauteng’s West Rand at the West Rand Tourism Awards, held at Maropeng on February 17. There are more than 400 tourism establishments in the Cradle of Humankind alone, making the competition tough for entrants.

Chief Director of Destination Management at the Cradle of Humankind Management Authority and Gauteng Tourism Authority Matthew Sathekge says winning an award is no easy achievement: “Tourism excellence can only be achieved after years of dedicated commitment to self-improvement, and this year in particular was very difficult to judge as there were so many great entries.”

The following photo essay shows some of the fun had on the evening.

Guests enjoy tequilas on arrival

Maropeng tour guides went all out with their themed costumes for the western themed party

The conference centre at Maropeng was converted into a western saloon fitting with the festive theme

Natalie and Durward Smyth from Jelani Transfers & Tours

The team from Heia Safari Ranch

Full list of award winners

Accommodation…

Township accommodation: Popsue Place
Bed & breakfast: Premier Guest House
Self-catering: Stone Hill
Four-star guest house: Soetkysi Guest House
Three-star lodge: Heia Safari Ranch
Four-star guest house: Onze Whonen Guest House
Four-star lodge: Valley Lodge & Spa
Four-star hotel: Maropeng a’Afrika Leisure (Pty) Ltd
Five-star lodge: Kloofzicht Lodge
Best HDI-owned accommodation: Usiba Country Lodge
Most-improved township accommodation: Tsitsi B&B
Best emerging accommodation: Hibon

Food and beverage…

Restaurant – buffet: Mount Grace Country House & Spa
Restaurant – alfresco: Gilroy’s Brewery (Pty) Ltd
Restaurant – fine dining: Budmarsh Country Lodge
Taverns: Shimi’s Inn
Most-improved township tavern: Maggie Sports Bar

Conference and wedding venues…

MESE: EnGedi
Best HDI-owned MESE: Ekhaya accommodation and conference

Guides:

Provincial guide: Adam Fillmore
Site guide: Reuben Tsime

Tour operators:

Tour operator: Jelani Transfers and Tours

Tourism experience:

Best outdoor tourism experience: Heia Safari Ranch
Best tourism leisure experience: Gilroy’s Brewery
Best tourism recreational experience: Sundowner Adventures
Most exhilarating tourism experience: AirVentures Hot Air Ballooning
Best spa experience (joint winner): Mount Grace Country House & Spa, Valley Lodge & Spa

Arts and Crafts:

Beadwork: Suzaan Crafts
Visual/fine art: Green ORB
Weaving: The Sun Hat Knitting and Multipurpose
Design and innovation: Mamagola General Trading

Performing:

Theatre: Ubizo Ma-Africa Theatre
Dance: Red for Danger
Poetry: Abram Mokome

Special awards:

Best eco-tourism establishment in the West Rand: Mount Grace Country House & Spa
Most-improved local tourism association (joint winner): Merafong LTA and Kagiso LTA
Best walk-in tourism information office: Mogale Tourism

Best for 2011 overall:

Best tourism establishment in West Rand: Valley Lodge & Spa
Best township tourism provider in West Rand: Tshuku’s Transport Service

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