Eight outstanding entrepreneurs from the tourism industry have been selected as finalists for the annual Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA), South African Tourism has said in a statement.

South African Tourism's CEO Moeketsi Mosola said at the World Tourism Day celebrations in Mpumalanga that the entrepreneurs would each each gain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to showcase their successful enterprises at one of the most prestigious international travel trade shows - the World Travel Market (WTM), in London, in November this year.

"As well as displaying an improved level of authenticity and diversity of products and services, this year's ETEYA awards welcomed 21 percent more entries in the tour operator category. We were also greatly encouraged by the fact that we received an impressive 35 percent increase in entries from younger entrepreneurs - those in the 25-30 year category, who are the future of this industry," he said.

"As South Africa gains momentum in its quest to become a world-class destination of choice, the programme's contribution towards extending the range, depth and quality of South Africa's tourism products and experiences becomes increasingly important," Mosola said.

In the final phase of the contest - which takes place at the WTM - the overall winner as well as the first and second runners up will be announced. Winners will receive cash prizes - valued at R50 000, R30 000 and R15 000 - to further their businesses, courtesy of ETEYA sponsor Absa Corporate and Business Bank. The overall winner will also take part in the Internationale Tourismus Bourse (ITB), Europe's largest travel and tourism exhibition, in Berlin next year.

Commenting on Absa's partnership with South African Tourism on the ETEYA project, Stewart Lumka (GM: Tourism and Hospitality Absa Corporate and Business Bank) said: "Financial institutions cannot afford to neglect the massive growth potential of South Africa's economy. Tourism is one of seven key industries that continue to display both employment growth and a continued increase in contribution to GDP. Absa has also recognised the key role that transformation plays in our tourism industry."

ETEYA was launched in 2001 in order to enhance job creation, financial sustainability and product development of the SMME (small, medium and micro enterprise) sector within a transformed tourism industry. Finalists and semi-finalists benefit from a series of workshops as well as training in presentation and marketing skills. Today, ETEYA is widely recognised by the tourism industry as being instrumental in developing the all-important SMME category, in line with the Tourism Growth Strategy.

The 2006 ETEYA finalists are:



Gauteng: Mike Bobby, Kwa-Eden Self Catering and Conferencing.


Limpopo: Calvin Maphophe, Mambedi Country Lodge & Conference Centre.


Mpumalanga: Nelly D Mashinini, Linga Longa Guest House.


Eastern Cape: Lindelwa Lumka, Somhlahlo Earl-Earl Bed and Breakfast.


Western Cape: Waleed Osman, Cape Rhino Tours


KwaZulu-Natal: Niniza Shezi, Imvubu Guest House.


Free State: Fanyana Taioe, Thuthukani Guest House.


North West: Teko Mangwele, Boinelo Heritage Tours & Safaris.

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