Nominations for top tourism awards now open

HICA is convened by the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA) and is hosted in partnership with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in KwaZulu-Natal, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal.

"This year we return to our previous format of presenting awards in four main categories," says Mmatšatši Marobe, CEO of the TBCSA. "We are especially excited about the inclusion of a new award category which recognises the role of hotel interior design and architecture."

Award categories:

• Design and Architecture Award
  
• Excellence in Travel and Tourism Reporting Award
  
• Business Leadership Award
  
• HICA Investment Award

The category for the HICA Investment Award comprises of two sub-categories: one focused solely on hotel accommodation, and another incorporating other types of accommodation such as lodges, guesthouses and bed-and-breakfast establishments.

Marobe emphasised the importance of ensuring that the industry supports this initiative by nominating their preferred candidates in the various categories. "It is essential for all industry players to continue supporting the awards as we also need to celebrate the good that is being done, and not only focus on the challenges. Additionally the awards play a key role in building a positive profile for the hospitality sector in the region.

"Entries are open for all business in the sub-Saharan region and we urge all tourism operators to submit their nominations."

The deadline for submission of all entries is 23 March 2012. For more information, go to www.hica.co.za.