Tourism awards deadline looms

Presented by the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) in partnership with the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Imvelo showcases Africa's tourism and hospitality industry achievements in implementing sustainable environmental, social and economic programmes.

FEDHASA chairman Brett Dungan says: "Companies entering Imvelo this year have the opportunity to also enter the International Hotel & Restaurant Association's (IH&RA's) Environmental Awards. The deadline for entries is 1 September - only one day after the Imvelo deadline - so entries will merely need minor adjustments.

"This is the opportunity for Africa to prove its worth in the global arena. We have highly competitive properties and unique projects that indicate the continent's commitment to comply with environmental issues - including social and economic ones - and many in other countries can use some of these as case studies."

The guidelines FEDHASA is encouraging members of the hospitality industry to implement are voluntary and conform to the Responsible Tourism Development Guidelines developed by the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. They are also in line with international best practice, conforming to the World Tourism Organisation's code of ethics and the International Hoteliers' Environmental Initiative.

"It is against this background that we would encourage hospitality industry members on the continent to enter both these prestigious award programmes," says Dungan.

The 2005 theme "Engaging the Guest in Environmental Actions" will showcase hotels and restaurants that engage in communicating their environmental practice and environmental issues to their customers.

For more information call FEDHASA on +27-11-799-7669 or visit www.fedhasa.co.za or www.heritagesa.co.za