The national winners of the second annual Lilizela awards were revealed at a ceremony on Thursday night at the Lyric Theatre at Gold Reef City, Johannesburg.
Addressing the finalists, Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom, said that while some of the people in attendance would be leaving with an award, everyone in the industry was a winner. 
Hanekom cited the tourism industry’s contribution to GDP, which is 9% and outweighs the contribution made by traditional core sectors such as gold mining. Moreover, the Minister said, the industry created one in every 11 jobs in the country. “You are all co-creators of our success story."
The Minister's Award was given to Mavuso Msimang, current Chair of the Tourism Business Council of SA.
"This award celebrates the work of an exceptional individual," said Hanekom. "This is someone who consistently moves the industry closer to achieving its 2020 vision of building a tourism sector that truly transforms the lives of people."
The Minister said tourism was one of many sectors that benefited from Msimang’s experience, wisdom and dedication to transformation. "Through his leadership, SA Tourism, South African National Parks, the State Information Technology Agency and the Department of Home Affairs became the organisations that they are today."
"Mavuso, the entire country is grateful for your leadership. You will always be an inspiration to those who have worked with you and to those who will come after you," said Hanekom. "We thank you for your effort, your perseverance, and your diligence."
The other winners included:
Accommodation Awards - 1 Star Hotel: Road Lodge East London - 2 Star Hotel: Town Lodge Midrand - 3 Star Hotel: Umthunzi Hotel and Conference - 4 Star Hotel: Grand Café & Rooms - 5 Star Hotel: Fusion Boutique Hotel - 4 Star Guesthouse: Tranquility Guest House - 5 Star Guesthouse: Strandloper Ocean Lodge - 3 Star Bed & Breakfast: Tarentaal Oorslaap - 4 Star Bed & Breakfast: Gaikou Lodge - 5 Star Bed & Breakfast: Hyde Park Villas - 4 Star Lodge: Tanamera Lodge - 5 Star Lodge: Sarili Lodge - 3 Star Self Catering Shared Vacation: Badplaas A Forever Resort: Chalets - 4 Star Self Catering Shared Vacation: Orange Grove Farm - 5 Star Self Catering Exclusive: Lawhill Luxury Apartments - 3 Star Caravan and Camping: ATKV Hartenbos Caravan Park - 4 Star Caravan and Camping: Dibiki Holiday Resort - 4 Star Country House: De Doornkraal Historic Country House - 5 Star Country House: Tenahead Mountain Lodge and Reserve - 4 Star Backpacker & Hosteling: Tsitsikamma Backpackers - 4 Star MESE: Maropeng Conference Centre - 5 Star MESE: The forum | the campus
Visitor Experience of the Year - Action & Adventure: Wild 5 Adventures - Beach Experience: Umngazi River Bungalows & Spa - Culture and Lifestyle: The Maboneng Precinct - Marine Adventures: Raggy Charters - Roots and Culture: Maropeng - Scenic Beauty: Cape Point in the Cape Of Good Hope - Wildlife Encounters: Monkeyland, Birds of Eden and The Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary
ETEYA Awards - Winner: Limpopo Guest Manor - 1st runner up: Discover Durban Tours & Transfers - 2nd runner up: Osiba Management - 3rd runner up: Park Place Boutique Hotel and Guesthouse
Tourist Guides - Nature Tourist Guide: Isaiah Banda - Culture Tourist Guide: Rob Caskie
B-BBEE - Exempted Micro Enterprise: Ubuhle be narha Tours - Large Enteprise: City Lodge Hotels Limited
Universal Accessibility Mobility - Soli Deo Gloria
IMVELO Awards - Best Single Resource Management – Water (Large establishment): ATKV-Drakensville Vakansieoord - Best Single Resource Management – Energy (Large establishment): V&A Waterfront Holdings - Best Single Resource Management – Energy (Small establishment): Thaba Tshwene Game Lodge - Best Single Resource Management – Waste (Large establishment): Sandton Sun - Best Single Resource Management – Waste (Small establishment): Southern Sun Newlands - Best Overall Environmental Management System (Large establishment): Hotel Verde and Spier Wine Farm - Best Overall Environmental Management System (Small establishment): African Game Lodge - Economic Impact (Large establishment): Aquila Private Game Lodge - Economic Impact (Small establishment): Bulungula Lodge - Investing In People (Large establishment): The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa - Investing In People (Small establishment): Garden Court Hatfield - Best Social Involvement Programme (Large establishment): African Impact - Best Social Involvement Programme (Small establishment): Bulungula Lodge
To view the full list of national finalists and winners and for images, please visit www.lilizela.co.za.