2025 Award Categories
The 2025 Eastern Cape Tourism Awards categories were carefully selected to ensure inclusivity, relevance, and alignment with the province’s diverse tourism landscape.
Our goal is to recognize innovation, service excellence, and impactful contributions while ensuring that businesses of all sizes have the opportunity to be celebrated on this prestigious platform.
ACCOMMODATION EXCELLENCE
Best Guesthouse, B&B, or Lodge
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Must be graded by the South African Tourism Grading Council.
- Provides warm, personalized hospitality with a focus on comfort and service.
- Showcases the unique character and culture of the region.
- Engages with local businesses and tourism activities.
- Receives strong guest feedback and ratings.
- Must be graded by the tourism grading council of South Africa (TGCSA).
Best Hotel or Resort
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Must be graded by the South African Tourism Grading Council.
- Offers high-quality accommodation, facilities, and services.
- Attracts regional, national, and international tourists, boosting local tourism.
- Demonstrates excellence in guest experience and hospitality.
- Implements sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
- Must be graded by the tourism grading council of South Africa (TGCSA).
Best Home Stay Experience
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides an authentic and immersive local experience for visitors.
- Demonstrates outstanding hospitality and guest engagement.
- Contributes to community development and cultural preservation.
- Receives strong guest reviews and testimonials.
Best Backpacker / Camping Grounds
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides an affordable yet high-quality stay for adventure travellers.
- Promotes eco-tourism and sustainability.
- Creates an engaging social atmosphere for travellers.
- Encourages exploration of the surrounding natural attractions.
TOURISM ATTRACTION
Exceptional Safari & Game Park Experience
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides authentic and ethical wildlife encounters.
- Contributes to conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.
- Offers a highly rated guest experience with expert guides and services.
- Attracts domestic and international tourists, increasing regional tourism.
Iconic Cultural & Heritage Experience
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Offers a historically or culturally significant experience.
- Promotes local traditions, arts, languages, or heritage sites.
- Benefits and uplifts local communities through cultural tourism.
- Engages visitors with educational and interactive storytelling.
Ultimate Adventure Attraction
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Offers thrilling and safe adventure experiences (e.g., hiking, bungee jumping, water sports).
- Showcases the natural beauty and landscapes of the region.
- Attracts local and international adventure tourists, contributing to tourism growth.
- Receives strong visitor engagement and positive reviews.
Unique Agri-Tourism Experience
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides authentic farm, rural, or agricultural tourism experiences.
- Highlights local produce, farm-to-table experiences, or interactive farming activities.
- Supports rural tourism and economic growth for local farmers.
- Engages visitors through educational and hands-on activities.
TOURISM EXCELLENCE
Sustainable Tourism Award
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Implements eco-friendly and responsible tourism practices.
- Contributes to conservation and community development.
- Educates visitors on sustainable and responsible travel.
- Receives recognition or endorsements from sustainability-focused organizations
Tour Operator of the Year
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides exceptional guided travel experiences showcasing the region.
- Ensures high standards of safety, reliability, and customer service.
- Attracts domestic and international tourists, increasing visitation.
- Receives outstanding customer feedback and testimonials.
Outstanding Culinary Experience & Restaurants
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Provides exceptional food quality, taste, and presentation.
- Showcases local flavours and ingredients.
- Offers a unique, memorable dining experience that attracts tourists.
- Receives high ratings and positive guest reviews.
Digital Tourism Influencer of the Year
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Produces high-quality, engaging digital content that inspires travel.
- Demonstrates a strong social media presence and audience engagement.
- Actively promotes Eastern Cape destinations, attractions, and experiences.
- Has a measurable impact on tourism growth and awareness.
MICE & YOUTH AWARDS
Event & Conference Organiser
of the Year
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Creates exceptional, well-executed events that attract visitors.
- Demonstrates innovation and creativity in event planning.
- Successfully attracts out-of-town delegates and visitors, boosting tourism.
- Collaborates with local suppliers, businesses, and attractions, contributing to the province’s tourism ecosystem.
Premier Conference &
Events Venue
- Must be located and conduct business in the Eastern Cape.
- Offers world-class facilities for business and leisure events.
- Attracts regional, national, or international events, driving tourism.
- Demonstrates excellence in hosting, management, and service delivery.
- Implements sustainable and eco-conscious event practices.
Future Leader in Tourism
- Must be based in and actively contribute to the Eastern Cape tourism industry.
- Aged 35 or younger, demonstrating leadership in tourism.
- Must be in business for 3 years or less.
- Shows innovation and passion in shaping the future of the industry.
- Contributes to community engagement, sustainability, or economic growth.
- Has received endorsements or recognition from industry peers and mentors.
