Awards
Welcome Award - 2007/2008
NYONI’S KRAAL RESTAURANT: “OVERALL WINNER WELCOME AWARD RESTAURANT CATEGORY”
Friday, 15 May 2009
Colin Nyoni, owner of Nyoni’s Kraal, accepts his Welcome Award from FEDHASA Chairman Caleb Mabaso and Acting CEO of South African Tourism Didi Moyle
South Africa Tourism’s (SAT) Welcome Awards were held on the 10th of May, at the International Convention Centre in Durban
Launched in 2005 the Welcome Awards form part of a wider campaign by SAT, in partnership with First National Bank (FNB), to drive service excellence and reward quality service delivery in the tourism industry.
"We have seen the industry’s best, and it has delighted us," Pieter de Bruin, Head of Tourism at FNB, said after the awards ceremony was concluded.
The awards are open to all tourism service providers within South Africa, including tour operators, tourist destination facilities, accommodation providers and tourist guides.
These awards target tourism related businesses that raise the standard of customer service, showcase the best of the industry, and enhance word of mouth marketing through providing exceptional experiences.
The category winners received an exclusive on-line banner advert, media exposure (print, radio and TV) they will also be featured through the SA Tourism online campaign.
"How we receive our guests plays a pivotal role in their experience of South Africa especially as we welcome the world to top events including the FIFA Confederation Cup and the 2010 World Cup", said Hanneli Slabber, Global Manager SAT.
Entries are now open for the 2009/10 Welcome Awards through the SA Tourism website.
The 2008 Welcome Award winners are:
- Accommodation: Karloof Lodge and Spa
- Tour Operator: Specialised African Tour Services
- Tourist Attraction: SAB World of Beer
- Restaurant: Nyoni’s Kraal Restaurant
- Parks: Mokala National Park
- Travel Agencies: South African Travel Centre
- Tourist Guide: Linda Leung
- Business Tourism (MICE): Van Ryn’s Distillery
Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards
RESTAURANT SCOOPS FIRST PRIZE
By MZI Gumede
The Eteya award-winners display their trophies with the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Marthinus van Schalkwyk, are Stanley Mufamadi of Vuwa Travel and Tours, Colin Nyoni of Nyoni's Kraal Restaurant, Lebo Maleta of Lebo's Soweto Backpackers and Stewart Lumka from Absa the sponsor.
NYONI'S Kraal Restaurant is flying high after winning a prestigious tourism award in London. The restaurant from the Western Cape scooped the first prize and walked away with R50 000 after winning the annual Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Eteya).
Colin Nyoni of Nyoni's Kraal Restaurant said: "It's an honour to be recognised for the work you have done. The competition was very tough. To be an overall winner is the result of dedication and teamwork from my staff and the people who supported the business," he said.
The event was held at the World Travel Market in London last Wednesday.
The winners will have the opportunity to showcase their establishments during International Tourism Bourse that will be held in Berlin, Germany in March next year.
Chief Executive of South African Tourism, Moeketsi Mosola, congratulated the winners. He said: "Tourism in South Africa is one of the most important sectors in our country's quest for economic growth and prosperity. Eteya is an essential part of the programme to deliver innovation and original South African products to the globe," he said South African Tourism is at the forefront at encouraging tourism entrepreneurs to triple their efforts in sustaining and making South Africa a world-class tourist destination.
In 2001, SA Tourism launched the Eteya competition. The aim of the competition is to encourage and sustain the development of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South African tourism and hospitality industries.