Emerging tourism winners announced

Said Rangaka: "I am honoured to have been named ETEYA winner. Developing M'Hudi wines into a sustainable business has been incredibly challenging and I am delighted to have achieved this."

First runner-up was Jojo Tsheola of Tsheola Dinare Tours, a tour operator based in Gauteng. Dinare provides shuttle services and arranges tailor-made tours for visitors.

Second runner-up was Tiveka Mathumbu of Tiveka Game Lodge in Limpopo, which is a small game reserve that provides quality accommodation, conferencing as well game-drive facilities at competitive prices.

Third runner-up was Tebogo Nare for Nare Travel and Tours in the North West. Nare Travel is a full-service travel agency, tour operations and shuttle transfer service provider. It is a community-driven service specialising in tailor-made holidays to any destination in South Africa.

Innovation and service excellence

The Minister of Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, commended the winners for their contributions to the vibrancy and authenticity of destination South Africa. Van Schalkwyk noted that showing innovation and service excellence were important factors in growing the tourism industry.

The ETEYA winners were chosen based on the following criteria: how well they presented their businesses at ITB; the standard of their marketing material; their level of innovation; their enthusiasm; how well they presented themselves as ambassadors; and the return on investment.

Entries for 2010/11 ETEYA Awards are currently open.