Emerging tourism winners 2005
18 November 2005
Karel Phentela, owner of Ekhaya Guest House in the Northern Cape, has won the 2005 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
South African Tourism Board deputy chairperson Danisa Baloyi presented the R50 000 prize to Phentela at the World Travel Market in London on Thursday.
Township vibe
A three-star establishment, Ekhaya Guest House is situated in Galeshewe, one of the oldest townships in South Africa.
The guest house allows visitors to experience the township vibe while offering the luxuries of a modern guest house.
The first runner-up was Mmanong Ntoane, owner of our-star guesthouse Boga Legaba in North West province, while the second runner-up was Deon Mariller of African Dimension Shuttle and Tour Services in KwaZulu-Natal.
Baloyi said the displayed products were world-class and representative of South Africa's diverse cultures.
"We are pleased that industry
transformation has led to us being able to offer travellers so much more in terms of an excellent holiday experience, while being able to enrich the lives and businesses of our local entrepreneurs," Baloyi said.
South African Tourism CEO Moeketsi Mosola said the judging principles included assessing the value of the business to the community, appraising innovation in service and offering, and evaluating growth prospects, sustainability and job creation potential.
Source: BuaNews
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