
The 2019 Lilizela Tourism Awards, which recognise service excellence and the “best of the best” in the hospitality industry, opened for entries this week.
Sihle Zikalala, the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, has issued a call for tourism players in KwaZulu-Natal to increase their participation in this year’s awards.
“We would like to see an increase in the number of KZN businesses entering this year, particularly among the emerging sector as these are very important high-profile awards and businesses that do well reap the rewards in recognition and publicity,” he said.
“And we would also like to see entries come from around the province and not just the main centres. “We know there are potential and worthy winners in all sectors of the tourism sector out there and we want them to get the recognition they deserve. Their contribution helps grow tourism’s contribution to the GDP, creates jobs and contributes to South Africa’s global competitiveness.”
Hailed as the “Oscars’’ of the industry, the Lilizela Tourism Awards are an initiative of the national Department of Tourism. Zikalala explained that there are several categories that businesses can enter and that while it is a national competition, there will also be a special awards ceremony for provincial finalists and winners.