MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters, joined the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Maggie Sotyu, at the East London ICC to honour tourism enterprises from King Sabata Dalindyebo (Mthatha) and Enoch Mgijima (Komani) Local Municipalities for their commitment to service excellence.
The ceremony formed part of the Service Excellence Programme, a flagship intervention under the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS) and the Tourism Sector Master Plan. The programme is designed to raise service standards, strengthen competitiveness, and ensure that South Africa’s tourism sector continues to deliver world-class visitor experiences.
“We gather not just to present awards, but to recognise the passion, innovation and service that define tourism enterprises across the Eastern Cape and beyond,” said MEC Pieters.
According to Nomonde Makaula, ECPTA Regional Manager: Destination Development, ECPTA partnered closely with the Department of Tourism and DEDEAT to identify key stakeholders and ensure their participation before and during the awards, this includes municipalities to product owners and SMMEs. She added that ECPTA will continue to support the recognised businesses so that service matches the promise, visitors feel the difference, and local enterprises see the benefits.
This initiative complements the Eastern Cape Government’s vision of positioning tourism as one of the five key growth frontiers identified by the 7th Administration, driving economic transformation, job creation and sustainable development across the province.
