#Swaziland Tourism launches Excellence Awards to promote high quality tourism

Swaziland recognising brilliance – Tourism Excellence Awards

The tourism sector in Swaziland has shown a substantial increase over the past few years with development initiatives and efforts being placed towards leveraging opportunities within the sector. The Swaziland Tourism Authority (STA) has, as an effort to recognise and reward businesses, announced its 2nd annual Tourism Excellence Awards for the tourism industry in Swaziland.

The awards are an integral part of STA’s efforts to raise the tourism sector’s national and international competitiveness by inspiring organisations and individuals to create quality, unique, and compelling experiences for all their guests.

In order to reflect on the dynamic space in which each of these businesses operate, the Tourism Excellence Awards will be recognising excellence within each of the following categories; adventure tourism, best accommodation, best community based tourism, best nature reserve, cultural tourism, major festivals and events, major tour and transport providers, major tourist attractions, minister’s award, new tourism business, tour guide, tourism restaurants and catering services.

Each participant in these respective categories will be measured against specific criteria, which necessitates a solid business plan, modern and innovative marketing, unparalleled customer service, sustainability and site inspections. All establishments in Swaziland are encouraged to support this initiative by competing in as many categories as possible.

Marketing Manager of STA, Bongani Dlamini adds ‘It is through such platforms that we, as a representative of the tourism sector, are able to reward those who continue to dedicate their businesses towards the upliftment of not only the Swazi communities but also the overall success of Swaziland’s economy. It is a truly great opportunity to be able to compete within our industry and through collaborative efforts, showcase some of Swaziland’s gems to the rest of the world‘.

Awards such as the Tourism Excellence Awards are a reflection of the continued growth that exists within the African continent’s tourism industry and of the authentic and exceptional services each business is able to provide.

• Develop the tourism sector as a national priority in an environmentally sustainable and culturally acceptable manner,
• Coordinate and facilitate the implementation of government policies and strategies on tourism,
• Market Swaziland as a tourism destination through the provision of a platform for industry stakeholders,
• Encourage, facilitate and promote local and foreign investment in the tourism industry, and
• Ensure the contribution of tourism to the socio-economic development and continued improvement of quality of life in the Kingdom of Swaziland

For added information click on www.thekingdomofswaziland.com