“We are so proud and honoured that local businesses have been recognised with these prestigious awards. The awards can be viewed as professional benchmarks which add a huge boost of motivation for our town. Guests in Plettenberg Bay have high expectation in terms of the quality of their experience. Additionally, the Plett Tourism community puts high standards on themselves to offer exceptional service. These awards showcase Plett as a world class destination,” says Patty Butterworth – Plett Tourism Media Spokesperson.
Plett is a slice of paradise with breathtaking coastal views, stellar wines and a contagious enthusiasm for outdoor pursuits. Here we share some of Plett’s awards and milestones for 2019.
BEACH AWARDS
The International Blue Flag awards were presented to 137 sites in the southern hemisphere for the 2018-2019 Blue Flag season, including 96 beaches, 19 marinas and 22 boats.
As of 2018, the Blue Flag flies over 3,783 beaches, 698 marinas and 77 boats around the world. The Western Cape has achieved the highest number of Blue Flag sites, with 30 beaches, 12 boats and 7 Blue Flag marinas.
Plett received 6 Blue Flags for beaches and 1 for a boat operator. This includes Robberg 5 (11th year), Keurboomstrand (9th year), Nature’s Valley (8th year), Lookout (6th year), The Dunes (4th year) and The Singing Kettle Beach (3rd year). Offshore Adventures continues to add to Plett’s outstanding marine experiences with both of their boats, Robberg Express and Oceanic Express.
For the 10th year in a row, Plett has received a nomination in the World Travel Awards™ as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination, a very prestigious honour. World Travel Awards™ was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry. Today, the World Travel Awards™ brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.
LILIZELA AWARDS
The winners of the Western Cape 2019 Lilizela Tourism Awards were announced at an awards ceremony on 13 September 2019, and Plett did not disappoint.
The Lilizela Awards recognise tourism industry businesses for setting the benchmark in service excellence, contributing to the industry, investing in skills provision, leading by example and ensuring that each guest is given a world-class experience. This is a South African competition with different categories from within the tourism sector.
‘Lilizela’ is a Zulu word meaning to ululate as a demonstration of celebration and praise when someone has done exceptionally well. The Lilizela Tourism Awards recognise those who make an outstanding and positive impact on tourism in South Africa. Individuals who are passionate and proud about their world-class product or service. Visitors are invited to vote for their best experience, conference, exhibition or special event.
Local products recognised for an outstanding contribution to their respective category, include Africanyon Adventures, Forever Resort Caravan Park, Sky Villa Boutique Hotel and Tamodi Lodge & Stables.
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION
For half a century, the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) has been recognising and rewarding the best wines and spirits worldwide. They are recognised as the official competition to set the international benchmark for quality.
Newstead Lund Family Vineyards entered their Newstead Brut Chardonnay 2015 MCC and received a wondrous 95 points – a gold medal at this year’s competition. This is a stupendous recognition, as they are under the palates of 400 expert judges. 1000+ wines are entered from 90 different countries, and judging takes place over seven months.
SKÅL SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AWARD
A prestigious award was presented to the South African Animal Sanctuary Alliance (SAASA), owners of Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and Jukani in The Crags. They were acknowledged as the winner of the 2019 Sustainable Tourism Award in the category Major Tourist Attraction.
The Skål International organization recognizes best practices around the globe at their annual conference. The awards are open to any company from the public and private sector, NGOs, government agencies and educational institutions worldwide.
Skål is a professional organisation of tourism leaders around the world, promoting global networking and friendship since 1934. It is the only international association uniting all branches of the travel and tourism industry.