SEVERAL local adventure organisations and establishments are set to compete for provincial glory at the 2019 Lilizela Tourism Awards in Mthatha on September 19.
The Chokka Trail received two nominations in the Best Visitors Experience Category, one for Scenic Beauty and the other for Best Beach Experience – an award they have won on national level for three consecutive years.
It is remarkable to note that three of the accommodation establishments involved in the Chokka Trail are also provincial finalists this year: Duneridge Country House in the Country House Category, Beach Break in the Self Catering Shared Accommodation Category and Brisan B&B on the Canals in the Bed & Breakfast Category.
The Baviaans Camino, another hiking trail from the Chokka Trail stables, is a finalist in the Best Visitors Experience: Action and Adventure Category.
The Sands @ St Francis is a provincial finalist in the Guest House Category.
The Dolphin Trail, Untouched Adventures and Tsitsikamma Segway Tours are all finalists in the Visitors Experience: Scenic Beauty Category.
In the Visitors Experience: Action and Adventure Category, Bloukrans Bungy and Tsitsikamma Segway Tours triumphed as provincial finalists, while Tsitsikamma Backpackers and Island Vibe are competing int he Backpackers and Hostelling Category.
The Baviaanskloof Lodge is a finalist in the Country House Category, while Apple@JBay will compete in the Self-Catering Exclusive Category.
“The Eastern Cape Province displays a huge commitment towards responsible tourism that positively impacts the country’s economic growth,” the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency CEO, Vuyani Dayimani.
“This is evident in the 225 entries received throughout the province for this year and the subsequent 59 finalists, who make up the pool of winners to be announced at the upcoming Provincial Lilizela Awards.
“As an Agency of the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), charged with the mandate of improving and promoting the tourism sector of the province, we are extremely proud to work with such a dynamic industry of committed individuals and businesses.
“Congratulations and thank you to all tourism stakeholders for their immeasurable contribution to sustaining the tourism sector and helping to place the Eastern as a preferred destination of choice.”
