The North West MEC for Tourism Desbo Mohono, has applauded tourism product owners in her province for ensuring that they always strive to offer the best quality products and services.
Mohono was addressing category winners and finalists of the North West leg of the Lilizela Tourism Awards when she said that said that government will forever be indebted to service providers who lead the way into making sure that the North West Province becomes the destination of choice.
“In Tourism we say our strength is in our Tourism Product Owners, from Tour Guides, Artists, Rangers, Hoteliers, Chefs, Marketers, Crafters, Operators and everybody else who continue to do their bit to do tourism”, Mohono said.
She added that these awards are about appreciating what real players of the industry are doing in trying to position the North West Province as the ultimate tourism destination in many aspects one can think of.
“While we are celebrating these awards, we need to be vigilant at all times, and ensure that none amongst us take for granted the significant advances that we have made thus far. We should always remember the long journey that we have travelled together since July 2014 and be guided by the noble precepts that define our social equality and the imperative to be loyal servants of the people”, she said
During her opening address, Mohono said that Tourism industry has now become a lifestyle and no longer a leisure affair which was traditionally done once a year during the festive season. She said the industry in her province is now forever going forward and for that she had to thank all stakeholders.
“More recently according to Stats SA we are slowly climbing the ladder steadily. This can only be music in our ears. We have to be optimistic about the future, and it looks like we have four times optimists than pessimists. Through our collective actions, we are setting the tone of the new discourse and we are asserting a tone that everybody can hear.
"Our footprints are smeared with identity and a sense of purpose. We are asserting our right to tell our own stories about our glorious account. And we do this to honour our times of yore and claim our prospect”, added Mohono.
Second time winner in the category of Tourist Guide: Culture and now the 2017 winner of the MEC’s Special Award, Mncedise Thambe who is a tourist guide at the Mphebatho Cultural Museum in Moruleng Village said that it is important to be recognized while doing what you love. He said that reputation is everything in this tourism industry and these accolades will assist in advancing his success in the industry.
“I’m ecstatic about winning these awards. This goes to show that my hard work over the years is now paying off. I am reaping the rewards of what I sow many years ago. I am really thankful to the department and its board for honoring the industry in such a sterling manner. These awards are our barometer as the industry and we measure our success based on such platforms of recognition”, said Thambe.