The Best in the West (Rand)
Maropeng scooped seven prizes, including a sustained achievement award, our own Beverly Makopo being named the best site guide, and the best tourist establishment award, at the West Rand Tourism Awards last night.
The glittering ceremony, hosted by the West Rand District Municipality, the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site and Gauteng Tourism, was held at Maropeng. This was the sixth year of the competition, which recognises and celebrates business owners, products and services that demonstrate excellence and value for money to tourists visiting the West Rand.
Winning the sustained achievement award (winning a category or being a finalist for three years or more) is an indication that Maropeng continues to deliver a world-class service and has a role to play in marketing not only the West Rand, but also Gauteng to the world. Last year we were named the best four-star hotel.
Our managing director, Tony Rubin, was ecstatic as our name was called out in seven categories.
Maropeng was awarded the following:
- Best overall tourist establishment on the West Rand
- Sustained achievement award
- Gold – for Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Events (MICE)
- Gold – to Beverly Makopo for being the best site guide
- Gold – for the best educational experience
- Gold – best eco-tourism establishment
- Silver – in the four-star lodge/hotel category
Rubin says the accolades show that Maropeng is doing its bit to increase the number of tourists coming to South Africa, that our staff receive excellent training and above all, that we have a commitment to sustaining our environment and conserving our rich heritage.
Rubin thanked Flow Communications’ Melanie Feris for ensuring that the level of all the entries was of a high standard.
Feris said: “I am so thrilled for Maropeng. it was a well-deserved win. Maropeng is a great place and the staff are dedicated to maintaining high standards of operation. It was really great working on the entries for these awards and I learnt a great deal about what goes on behind the scenes. Well done to all the Maropeng staffers.”
Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Nkosiphendule Kolisile, said: “Tourism is one of the key drivers of the Gauteng economy and we believe, by recognising and encouraging key tourism products, whether established or emerging, we will encourage continued employment and job creation. We will also foster and develop an environment that is attractive to tourists, both local and international.”
Gauteng Tourism CEO, Dawn Robertson, stressed that while her organisation was committed to providing vision and leadership for tourism in the province, recognition of excellence and significant improvement from grassroots level was imperative.
West Rand District Municipality executive mayor KM Nawa encouraged a “greener West Rand”, saying sustainable development was critical to the future of the tourism economy.
The awards recognised excellence in:
- Accommodation
- Food and beverage
- Meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE)
- Tourist guides
- Tour operators
- Travel agencies
- Tourism experiences and activities
The judging panel included local officials and specialist tourism experts.
Click here to read more about Maropeng’s gold award for Best Overall Tourism Establishment in the West Rand.