Garden Route National Park award winners announced

The regional awards were introduced by SANParks in an effort to not only motivate its staff, but also to recognise and honour those who commit themselves to a matchless level of excellence in performing their duties.

Speaking at the event, general manager of the Garden Route National Park (GRNP), Jill Bunding-Venter, said overall guests to the park showed an impressive increase by 19% since 2013. "Day visitors also increased by 19, 5%. Overnight visitors increased by 17, 75% in 2014 as compared to 2013. With National Parks' transformation mandate and objective to attract more black visitors, the GRNP can report an increase of 11, 44% compared to 2013."

Surprise win

A surprise win at the award ceremony was Goudveld, an old mining town in the middle of the Knysna forest. Goudveld was awarded the Best Entrance Gate for 2014/2015. This entrance gate was established in March 2012. A 42% increase in revenue was recorded from the previous financial year from Goudveld alone.

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The Tsitsikamma section of the GRNP scooped the Best Camp of the Year for exceeding targets set for 2014/2015. Figures illustrate a significant improvement in terms of finance, tourism, people and conservation and conservation management. Revenue has increased by 16,7% on budget and 17,1% year on year. The actual income to cost ratio is 123% versus budget of 108%. There was an increase of 11,1% from 261,415 visitors in 2013/2014 to 290,362 in 2014/2015. Accommodation was graded and maintained 2 star, 3 star and 4 star. All guest houses inside the camp are now 4 star.

More recipients who were honoured for the excellence in the workplace are based in Knysna. The area manager of Knysna, Johan de Klerk received an award for displaying leadership traits to transform the Knysna section to meet organisational objectives at all costs.