Cape Town - Fifteen Western Cape places – from a five-star hotel to a backpackers – are in the line-up for the national Department of Tourism’s inaugural awards.
The Lilizela Tourism Awards were launched by Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk at Indaba 2013 in May to recognise tourism businesses that enhance South Africa’s tourism competitiveness.
On Friday, Tourism MEC Alan Winde announced the names of the top 15 Western Cape establishments, which go through to the national line-up. The 15 were among 47 local finalists.
They included the Cape Grace Hotel, Atlantic Point Backpackers, Keurbooms Lagoon Caravan Park, Bon Esperance Guest House and the Last Word Constantia.
The province’s accommodation sector achieved 16.3 million bed nights last year, hosting 1.3 million visitors.
The national awards ceremony takes place on September 12.
The other provincial winners are Earthbound B&B; The Knysna Belle; Dibiki Holiday Resort; Grand Dedale Country House; 138 Marine Beachfront Guesthouse; Eendracht Hotel; The Hyde Hotel; Charlotte House; The Library and Villa Lavaya. - Cape Argus