Johannesburg, 11 February 2019: The Sunday Times is excited to announce the launch of its Reader’s Choice Travel Awards that celebrate excellence across all sectors of the travel and tourism industry in South Africa. Leaders in local travel and tourism will be recognised across 22 categories – as voted for online, via the Sunday Times, with a print readership of more than 2.1 million people. Category winners will be announced at the Sunday Times Reader’s Choice Travel Awards & Conference that will take place in September 2019, in Johannesburg.
South Africa is still considered a ‘value for money’ destination, attracting both business and leisure travellers, despite being a long-haul destination. Contributing just under 3% to SA GDP in 2017, tourism in SA has significant potential for growth and is considered a key enabler to drive economic growth, provide employment and aid social transformation.
Reardon Sanderson, GM Group Sales & Marketing at Tiso Blackstar says: “Understanding the key role that tourism plays in our economy, it’s important for the industry to be applauded for their professional efforts.”
With partnership opportunities available, Sanderson encourages companies to get on-board in acknowledging an industry that provides employment for millions of South Africans, and has made South Africa a top travel destination globally.
“With this new and exciting initiative comes the opportunity for companies to not only partner with the prestigious Sunday Times brand, but to also gain recognition for their work in improving the quality of South African hospitality. It’s a boarding pass to broaden existing networks with industry stakeholders, while gaining traction with discerning consumers,” says Sanderson.
Individuals, businesses and companies will nominate themselves for the awards programme by completing the relevant entry form which will be made available online. Once entries have been confirmed in the correct categories, consumers will be invited to vote via an online survey. There is no cost associated with entries, and all nominees will be published when voting opens.
The following categories will be awarded:
- BEST DOMESTIC AIRLINE
- BEST LOW-COST AIRLINE
- BEST SOUTH AFRICAN AIRPORT
- BEST CAR RENTAL COMPANY
- BEST TRAVEL CREDIT CARD PROVIDER
- BEST TRAVEL INSURANCE PROVIDER
- BEST TOUR OPERATOR
- BEST TRAVEL AGENT
- BEST SELF-BOOKING TOOL
- BEST HOTEL CHAIN IN SOUTH AFRICA
- BEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL
- BEST LOCAL SPA EXPERIENCE
- BEST LOCAL BED AND BREAKFAST
- BEST LOCAL CULTURAL DESTINATION
- BEST SOUTH AFRICAN SAFARI LODGE
- BEST WINE FARM
- BEST HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
- BEST ADVENTURE EXPERIENCE
- BEST TOUR GUIDE
- BEST ROAD STOP
- BEST REGIONAL TOURISM AUTHORITY
- THE READER’S CHOICE AWARD
For more information about partnership opportunities: Cortney Hoyland, Partnership Manager at Tiso Blackstar Events – hoylandc@tisoblackstar.co.za | 011 280 3060
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About Tiso Blackstar Group
Tiso Blackstar Group is a global company with its roots in Africa, operating market-leading media, broadcast and retail marketing properties. The group has strong exposure to the rapidly growing digital, broadcast and mobile markets, with a leading position in South Africa and a broad footprint across Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. The company is South Africa’s largest national English publishing group, the second largest digital publisher, owns the largest music and independent film catalogues on the African continent and operates unique TV channels. The Hirt & Carter group is the biggest marketing solutions company for the retail sector in Africa. We are also the proud custodians of iconic brands that include the Sunday Times, Sowetan, Financial Mail, The Herald, Gallo Music and Uniprint. The Tiso Blackstar Group business model is underpinned by a unique network of assets, dedication to excellence and a strong entrepreneurial focus. We are committed to providing quality content and services to our varied audiences and customers and value to our investors. Tiso Blackstar prides itself as a level 1 B-BBEE contributor. www.tisoblackstar.com
Issued by: Samantha Pugh, Pugh Public Relations & Corporate Communications
e: sam@pughpr.co.za c: 071 874 5460
On behalf of: Taryn Westoby, Head of Events, Tiso Blackstar Group