South Africa’s leading hospitality establishments will be honoured at the third annual Sanlam Top Destination Awards. The awards were created to uplift the nation’s hospitality industry by acknowledging key players within the South African Tourism sector and serve as a platform for nominees to compete for the title of Top Destination in nine categories and five Star gradings respectively, as voted for by the public. Winners will be announced at a Gala Award Ceremony held at the Kelvin Grove Club, Newlands on Thursday, 14 September.
Jonathan Pepler, Managing Director of Discount Traveler and Founder of the Sanlam Top Destination Awards said hospitality and tourism is a large driving force in our economy and they want to continue to recognise and reward one of our country’s most influential industries.
The stakes have been raised this year with an impressive set of sponsors who have put together an array of generous prizes. Inn-Addition will be giving away a gift hamper filled to the brim with luxurious gifts. Romatex Hospitality Textiles, the official textiles sponsor of the awards, will be giving one lucky establishment a full bedding set. Décor sponsor, Rialheim not only crafted the trophies that will be handed out on the evening but one lucky winner in attendance will win a fully decorated Rialheim Room makeover.
Sabre Hospitality Solutions, title sponsor of the SABRE Top Destination Technology Award, is giving members who have signed up with SABRE’s central reservation system, SynXis, before 14 September a chance to win a trip to the SABRE Customer Forum in Europe in 2018. Finally, all finalists who have added their inventory to Bookings Unlimited before Thursday, 14 September, stand a chance to win a big with vehicle sponsor, Volkswagen.
Pepler elaborates, “We strive to uplift local family businesses that have put blood, sweat and tears into their establishments while also giving recognition to the four- and five-star hotels whom all deserve recognition for their stellar contribution.”
Title sponsor of the awards remains financial giant Sanlam, while Rialheim ceramics plans to create unique centre pieces for each table at the ceremony. Other sponsors include: Amarula, Ayama Wines, Wedgewood Nougat, David Green Time Pieces, Spree.com, Inn-Addition, Romatex Hospitality Textiles, Sabre, Volkswagen and Lamborghini.
This year’s award ceremony will be streamed live via facebook.com/sanlamtopdestinationawards, so be sure to tune in if you didn’t manage to get your ticket. Emcees of the evening are Josie Eveleigh and Tracey Lange dressed by Jacques le Grange, with hair and makeup done by Pop Up Beauty bar. Alongside the winners’ announcements, viewers can expect live performances by Ricky Botsis, ShenFM and an authentically African dance presentation by Blush Productions.