From accessibility to accommodations for visitors, the Sapphire Coast has come to the top at the 4th Durban Tourism Business Awards. The award, held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Center in June, celebrated the innovation and excellence within the tourism category, and the Sapphire Coast won five awards in the evening.
This year, there are 17 categories of the Durban Tourism Awards, with recipients receiving cash prizes up to R50,000, the first runner-up won the award at the value of R35,000, and the second runner-up walked at R25,000. The exceptional Achievement Award recipient has been awarded an international learning tour worth R100 000 and extensive marketing opportunities to promote their business.
“We are extremely proud of all the winners and the best tourist operators who continue to show why Sapphire Coast is a destination for visitors' choice,” commented Romie Wentzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “This is also a great example of the benefits of community tourism organizations (CTO) membership with organizations like Sapphire Coast Tourism, one of the nine CTOs within Etekwini. It offers membership opportunities and encourages other facilities of interest to pursue this value-added route.”
Top performers on the Sapphire Coast
The Sapphire Coast in KwaZulu-Natal extends from Athlone Park to the north to Krantal to the south, with an inland region located in Umbubul. This charming coastal area left with three wins overall and two top three placements.
Universally Accessible and Green Sustainability Award
1st place: Wave Wheels (Contact: 066 422 7857 | info@wheelsonwaves.co.za)
3rd place: atkv-natalia (Contact: www.natalia.co.za | 031 916 4545 | natalia@atkv.org.za)
Exceptional Visitor Experience Awards
1st place: Gary's Horses (Contact: www.garysbeachrides.co.za | 084 205 9797 | garycoetzee57@gmail.com)
Accommodation Excellence Award (less than 50 rooms)
1st place: View Boutique Hotel and Spa (www.hoteltheview.com | info@hoteltheview.com | 031 903 1556)
2nd place: Baligrand Lodge and Spa (www.baligand.co.za | reception@baligand.co.za | 082 337 1081)
Diversity of Tourism Products
Father and son duo Wesley and Reese Smith are passionate advocates for the rights of people with disabilities and lead the efforts to make Amanjim Toty the best international destination for disabled visitors. Reese Smith, a quadriplegic with a lasting love for the ocean, believes inclusivity is the reason that it started the wheels of waves.
Commenting on their victory, Reese Smith from the Wheel of Waves said: “We are transforming Amazim Toti Beach and the KZN region into a tourist destination of choice for people with disabilities.
Another exceptional tourism experience is Gary's horse, who has for over 20 years have given tourists the opportunity to experience Amazim Toti on horseback. From children's parties, pony camps, horse-drawn weddings to country and beach rides, we host everything. This is a must-see experience on the Sapphire Coast.
“To be awarded this famous award makes sense because we were competing with the best in the industry,” commented Gary Cauchy, owner of Gary's horse. “It's a huge honor for us and to everyone who supported us. We couldn't win this award.”
Showing the local quality accommodation venues, Sapphire Coast has won the No. 1 and the second position for the Tourist Facilities' Exceptional Award for Excellence in less than 50 rooms.
Returning to number one was the View Boutique Hotel and Spa, which began as a family-run, two-room guesthouse over 30 years ago. Since then, it has expanded to today's beautiful 47-room boutique hotels, offering personalized hospitality, with a world-class spa and an award-winning Italian restaurant.
“The award is an incredible admiration and shows that your dedication and passion for what you're doing is truly rewarding,” commented hotel manager Dylan Latin. “This encourages and motivates the bar to go even higher. Being a tourism member will bring great benefits to your industry exposure and allow you to participate in events that build yourself from the 'hidden gems' to the winner of the best accommodation in Durban. ”
Benefits of becoming a Sapphire Coast Tourist Member
Brochure display at local tourism information center marketing support by Durban Tourism Promotions on regular updates on tourism corridor development of Sapphire Coast Tourism database and membership certificates via Facebook and Instagram pages of Sapphire Coast Tourism and Durban Tourism websites included on Sapphire Coast Tourism and Durban Tourism websites social media exposure of Sapphire Coast Tourism and Sapphire Coast Tourism and Sapphire Coast Tourism and Durban Tourism websites social media exposure of Sapphire Coast Tourism and Sapphire Coast Tourism and Apply up to 50% Ethekwini Real Estate Fee Refund (T&CS Apply) by using TKZN (Tourism KWA-Zulu Natal) membership, TKZN Membership is a mandatory application to EDTEA for TKZN (Tourism KWA-Zulu Natal) membership, through TKZN (Tourism Grading Council of TKZN) Allows applications for national ratings through Contic alumni. info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or 083 733 6468 SCT membership inquiries.
Other Sapphire Coast Tourist Places and Activities
– Amanzimtoti Main Beach includes Splash Water World, various restaurants, takeaways, and fun slides of the store along the promenade along with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curiosity.
-Day charter boats for deep sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and snorkeling at the world-famous dive site Aliwal Shoal.
– Clock World Conservation Center, where the oldest Nile Crocodiles live – the world-famous Henry and the newly launched airborne Zikareza outdoor adventure.
-Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishing, bird watching and picnics.
– The Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club is for 18 holes courses and rounds of drinks and meals at the club.
– Nature walks, hiking and birdwatching are available at Nunwan Falls in the heart of Umburl, a major attraction for nature lovers, whether they're experiencing horseback, 4×4, or mountain biking.
For more information about the Sapphire Coast and its diverse tourism products, please visit the www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or our Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.
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