Entries now open for the 2019 Lilizela Tourism 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 in reaping the rewards in recognition and publicity.

"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."

The Lilizela Tourism Awards is an initiative of the national Department of Tourism and MEC Zikalala explained that 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. Winners will go through to the national finals in Johannesburg.

Phindile Makwakwa, acting COO of Tourism KZN said that while the KwaZulu-Natal entries were on the increase, she too hoped to see many more this year. "I am glad to say that numbers have been increasing over the years, but they have also been increasing in other provinces too, which means the competition at the national level has grown too. We had 185 entries last year and it would be great if we could reach the 200 mark for starters this time around."

Categories include:

• Accommodation

• Meetings, exhibitions and special events

• Tour guides - Nature, culture and adventure

• Emerging and established tour operators

• Visitor experience

Entrepreneurship will be catered for in the Eteya Award. Zikalala will also make a special award to a business which he considers outstanding.

Entrance is free and to qualify, businesses must have been operating for at least one year and must have met all the necessary legal requirements, and where applicable, they must be graded by the SA Grading Council.