Meet the judges
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Pabala Private Nature Reserve
Accommodation
Firefly, the Travel Guy
Photography/Videography
Raggy Charters
Cultural, Conservation & Sustainability
Lizl Nieuwoudt
Tour Guide
Awehness Travel
Transportation & Tours
Devson T Luzane
Up & Coming (Youth Focused)
The Boma
Attraction & Experiences
Meet the judges
Meet our 2025 Judges for the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards.
Duma Maqubela
Regional Tourism Development Manager for Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency (ECPTA)
Mr. Duma Maqubela brings a wealth of experience in destination development, tourism product enhancement, and strategic public-sector tourism growth.
Prof. Hugh Bartis
Tourism Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University
A seasoned lecturer, researcher, and dynamic storyteller, Prof. Bartis is known for his ability to bring tourism theory to life - inspiring students, peers, and industry leaders alike. His work focuses on areas such as Business Tourism, Rural Tourism, Sustainable Tourism, and Destination Management.
Lezel Maurice
Executive Director of the Border Kei Chamber of Business
Award-winning entrepreneur and hospitality leader, brings decades of tourism experience to the judging panel. From founding Park Place Boutique Guesthouse to leading women empowerment initiatives, she now serves as Executive Director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business.
Selwyn Willis
CEO of Community Chest of the Eastern Cape
A well-known radio personality and current CEO of the Community Chest of the Eastern Cape, he has long been connected to the tourism sector. From his early radio days, he passionately promotes Nelson Mandela Bay and has frequently been invited to tourism workshops, where he continues to expand his knowledge and engagement with the industry.
Weziwe Busakwe
Founder of Dawn Business Support Consulting and Chairperson for Women In Tourism Eastern Cape
Weziwe Busakwe is a passionate advocate for empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through strategic business planning, funding access, and market growth. Weziwe brings a wealth of knowledge to the judging panel.
Wicus Schoeman
Agri Specialist at Absa Agri Business
Wicus Schoeman brings a fresh perspective to the 2025 Eastern Cape Tourism Awards, where agriculture and tourism intersect to unlock powerful opportunities for sustainable development.
Meet Our Auditor
We’ve partnered with selected accommodation providers in Jeffreys Bay to make your stay for the Awards comfortable and convenient.
Please use the code “ECTA2025” when booking your accommodation to access exclusive rates for Awards attendees.
Below you’ll find details of our recommended accommodation options, including images, contact details, and booking links.
Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha
Our 91-room luxury hotel offers the perfect mix of business and leisure, living up to our mantra: “The soft life made easy”. Ideally located across from Humewood Beach and next to the Boardwalk Mall and Convention Centre, this elegant property is just minutes from the airport.
Choose from studio, one- or two-bedroom units, and enjoy sea views, free WiFi, a 10-seater boardroom, conference facilities, fitness room, pool, and restaurant. Whether you're here for work, play, or both, our friendly, professional team delivers comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.
Life is hard. Check into easy.
Meet Our Auditor
We’ve partnered with selected accommodation providers in Jeffreys Bay to make your stay for the Awards comfortable and convenient.
Please use the code “ECTA2025” when booking your accommodation to access exclusive rates for Awards attendees.
Below you’ll find details of our recommended accommodation options, including images, contact details, and booking links.
Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha
Our 91-room luxury hotel offers the perfect mix of business and leisure, living up to our mantra: “The soft life made easy”. Ideally located across from Humewood Beach and next to the Boardwalk Mall and Convention Centre, this elegant property is just minutes from the airport.
Choose from studio, one- or two-bedroom units, and enjoy sea views, free WiFi, a 10-seater boardroom, conference facilities, fitness room, pool, and restaurant. Whether you're here for work, play, or both, our friendly, professional team delivers comfort, convenience, and coastal charm.
Life is hard. Check into easy.
Our Mission
Our goal is to celebrate innovation, service excellence, and impactful contributions, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have an opportunity to be recognized on this prestigious platform.
Following the successful implementation of the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards, which saw widespread participation and positive feedback, we believe that the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards & Expo will have an even greater impact on the province, raising industry standards and service levels across the sector.
By launching these awards & expo, we aim to position the Eastern Cape as a leading destination for both business and leisure tourism, attracting investment, increasing visitor numbers, and ensuring that our industry continues to thrive.
How You Can Get Involved:
Enter the Awards
Showcase your excellence and stand a chance to be recognized as a leader in the tourism industry.
Exhibit at the Expo
Connect with key industry players and potential clients by showcasing your products and services.
Become a Sponsor or Partner
Gain brand visibility, exclusive networking opportunities, and marketing exposure.
Be part of the event’s media coverage and gain exclusive access to industry news.
Attend the Awards Ceremony
Celebrate excellence and network with the best in the tourism sector.
Support & Nominate Others
Encourage and recognize those making a difference in the tourism sector.
Engage Online
Follow, share, and participate in discussions on social media to help promote tourism in the Eastern Cape.
