THE nine finalists and 18 semi-finalists of the 2008 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA) were announced in Johannesburg last week after a rigorous judging process. The finalists have each won R10 000 in cash prizes, mentorship and training as well as fully paid trip to ITB in Berlin in March where they will participate in trade workshops. “We have seen some excellent business plans and products that are ideal for us to present on an international platform as a fully integrated component of South Africa’s travel and tourism offering. The products are particularly globally competitive, demonstrating the high level of products and services coming out of this sector. The level of passion displayed by the entrepreneurs is so impressive that this year’s competition is not going to be an easy one to judge,” says Hanneli Slabber, Global Manager: Product at South African Tourism. The judging panel, whose members represent partner organisations, consists of the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the Tourism Grading Council (TGCSA), the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP), South African Breweries (SAB), South African Tourism, and the Provincial Tourism Authorities. The finalists are:

Tebogo Mametja from River Lodge in Limpopo
Melina Langa from Malangeni Lodge in Gauteng
Johannes Kaledi from Loving and Blessing Guest lodge in North West
Mathoto Tlokotsi from De Home Ekhaya Guesthouse in the Free State
Mechack Nkadimang from Hotel Kgalagadi in the Northern Cape
Maria Nyawula from Victoria Manor Guest House in the Eastern Cape
Amos Mdluli from Glowing Tourism Services in Mpumalanga
Brenda Rooipan from City of Choice Travel and Tours in KwaZulu-Natal
Lubabalo Mbontsi from Ekasie backpackers in the Western Cape The final awards ceremony will be held at Indaba in May.