Most Innovative Business Tourism Destination Award

Most Innovative and Sustainable Business Tourism and MICE Destination in Africa based on destination rating, number of classified hotels, value for money, value chain development, number of visitors vs socio-economic benefits to the destination and/or green credentials.

1
Malibe Cave Village (Lesotho)

Reason 1: Its the most beautiful cave in Lesotho that attracts both inbound and outbound tourists. It creates employment as the villagers sells artifacts, traditional food and attires to the tourists.

Reason 2: The cave holds an annual Malibe Cultural and Heritage event every March, an event to promotes unity and tge love for our culture and heritage as we celebrate with traditional dances, attires, food. We also have local schools participating.

Reason 3: We will grow to be one of the biggest cultural, heritage, site attraction in the country.

2
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Katleho - kek restaurent

Reason 1: Tshepo Kenneth Marumo Youth in Tourism.

Reason 2: Thirty-two years old Tshepo Kenneth Marumo’s passion for growing tourism on the world famous Vilakazi Street in Soweto was motivated during his internship at the Mandela House museum which is on that street. This was during the FIFA World Cup in 2010 when the famous street which was once home to two Nobel Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, was buzzing with tourists. The experience inspired Marumo to establish a business focussing on making this famous street a major tourist attraction and a business hub for small businesses. This youth month marks six years since the founding of Vilakazi Street Tourism by Marumo, of Orlando West, in Soweto, who is so fanatical about this sector that he even has a Bachelor’s Degree in Tourism Development from University of Johannesburg.

Reason 3: As a micro tour operator Marumo works with four tourism interns and believes in collaborations to grow the industry. “As Vilakazi Street Tourism we encourage business community collaboration and involvement,” he explains. He works jointly with local Bed and Breakfasts, restaurants, arts and crafters as well as with other operators who are promoting tourism on Vilakazi Street. Marumo’s outstanding work in making Vilakazi Street a hot spot for tourists and a business hub for small operators has been featured in various online platforms such as Fo Sho, SA Tourism Update and Africa Travel Week, to name some of them.

3
Tshepo Marumo (South Africa) - tut

Reason 1: Promotion of the Destination: The Africa Tourism Association has led the charge in promoting Africa as a top travel destination. They have highlighted the variety of experiences and attractions accessible throughout the continent through their marketing efforts, including wildlife safaris, historical monuments, colorful cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. The association has helped transform the perception of Africa from a continent with little promise for tourism to one that is a must-visit location by showcasing the distinctive selling characteristics of various African countries.

Reason 2: Training and capacity building in the tourist sector have been important contributions made by the Africa tourist Association. To improve the abilities and professionalism of tourism industry experts across the continent, they have arranged conferences, seminars, and training programs. By making investments in human resource development, the association has helped to raise the standard of tourism experiences and services, enhancing Africa's image as a warm and welcoming travel destination.

Reason 3: Collaboration and advocacy: The Africa Tourism Association has been actively promoting policies and programs that encourage the growth of tourism in Africa. To overcome obstacles including visa facilitation, infrastructure development, and marketing tactics, they have worked with governments, tourism boards, and industry stakeholders. Through their advocacy activities, they have contributed to the development of a more favorable environment for tourism, drawing more tourists and altering the view of Africa as a difficult or inhospitable location.

Website - Africa Tourism Association

4
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Kebo Levo (Events manager) - soweto b&bs

Reason 1: When you think of Soweto, definitely add a stop by our colourful & creative studio boutique at 748 Mafanya Street, Zondi 1, Soweto Johannesburg. Our aim is to bring you latest styles, handcrafted & locally made garments. We're 100% Afro-Inspired & very affordable. We Pop Up on weekends in places like Jabulani Mall Jabulani Mall & Vilakazi Street Vilakazi Street in Soweto. WhatsApp 0748151298 to book an appointment today.

Reason 2: Soweto on foot in Vilakazi Street♥️

Reason 3: After AKA, I am the biggest ambassador for Brand South Africa!🇿🇦 In fact now that he's no more, I occupy that top spot!🥉 Me I have no ambition of leaving this country, shem. The day I travel outside of it, it will be to other African countries. Ke dwadla net hier! We are truly alive with possibilities💚 Any slight opportunity I get anywhere to showcase South Aahh in whatever form, I use it! That's why I was in my element when I lived in Orlando West in 2019, 2 blocks away from Vilakazi Street. What a vibe that street is! With December approaching? That's where you'll see that every day issa Saturday, indeed!!!💃💃💃 I used to do tours for international tourists. They'd have fun, jealous down! They pronounced Mandela as 'Main-Delah'. And that's how I'd also pronounce it coz the correct 'Maahn-Dela' pronounciation ya ba palla mos so nna ke etseng?🤣🤣🤣 But when you do tours, you don't just talk, mentioning things you saw tweeted. You must be WELL READ. You must know interesting nitty-gritties people don't know about the man/the family/Soweto. Well, that's what my tourists enjoyed... People can't leave the UK/US or wherever, for you to tell them children were shot at in 1976 - they know that. They can read. They watch the news. What else is interesting? Fortunately for me, I READ. A LOT. I NETWORK. A LOT. I ASK. A LOT😁 It's important to know you have a name and a surname but it's importanter to know WHY, so you can align, find your purpose. RAMAFOKO isn't just for vibes. NEO isn't just for vibes either. If you don't get it, forgerrrrr about it!😉 #tourism #tourismindustry #tourguide #tourguidelife #hospitalityindustry #tbt

Website - Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM

5
Cadbery (South Africa)

Reason 1: I ❤️ SOWETO adventure travel experiences🧗🚣💃🕺 0733731668

Reason 2: 🇿🇦 SOWETO LOCAL ADVENTURE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE 💯✨ Soweto Adventure travel and activities. It's a very fun and adventurous Soweto local travel experience made for the family, friends and only the brave. 🎟️PRICE: HALF DAY: R 950, 00. pp FULL DAY: R 1 550, 00. pp It includes: 1). Meeting and welcome drinks at the SOWETO tower's 2). View soweto from the top, 3). Pictures and photos, 4). Rock climbing the soweto Tower, 5). Lunch Soweto chisa nyama BBQ braai at Chaff Pozzi pub and grill. - full day includes 1 more adventure activity. 6). Free fall, 7). Rock climbing, 😎. Quad biking, 9). Bungee jumping, - Pictures and group photos. #TakeMe2Soweto #MyKasiMyDorpie #WeDoTourism #SowetoAdventureTravels #VilakaziStreetTourism🇿🇦 _________________________________ BOOKINGS and INFORMATION: ☎: 0733631668 📧: infovilakazistreet@gmail.com

Reason 3: Vilakazi Street is one of the most vibrant streets in our country & offers fun & advanture at every stop. Who said ubu mnandi abukho ekasi lakho? Take a #ShotLeft to Vilakazi Street in Soweto, Johannesburg & explore Mzansi! Get to know a little about the incredible history of this township, by visiting the Hector Pieterson Museum and Orlando Towers. To get a taste of the neighbourhood & its people, stop off at one of the shebeens for local cuisine and a spot of music. Thanks for this amazing image@its_karabom, we love it! #ItsMySouthAfrica #ShotLeft #Travel #Adventure #Travelgram #mycountry #exploresouthafrica #Soweto"

Website - Cadbery

6
Rwanda (Rwanda)

Reason 1: 5 Star destination with over 20 hotels, including 5-star properties like the Kigali Marriott Hotel and Radisson Blu Hotel Kigali. Excellent value for money, with a range of accommodation options and activities.

Reason 2: Strong focus on sustainable tourism and community development. Over 1 million tourists per year. Contributes significantly to local economy, with a focus on job creation and community development.

Reason 3: Committed to sustainability, with initiatives like the Kigali Green City initiative.

Website - Rwanda

7
Nairobi (Kenya)

Reason 1: 5 Star destination with ver 100 hotels, including 5-star properties like the Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi Airport and The Westin Nairobi.

Reason 2: Excellent value for money, with a range of accommodation options and activities. Strong focus on sustainable tourism and community development.

Reason 3: Over 2 million tourists per year. Contributes significantly to local economy, with a focus on job creation and community development. Committed to sustainability, with initiatives like the Nairobi Green City initiative.

Website - Nairobi

8
Ghana Tourism Authority (Ghana) - MOST INNOVATIVE BUSINESS TOURISM DESTINATION AWARD

Reason 1: 4-star destination with Over 30 hotels, including 5-star properties like the Labadi Beach Hotel and the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel Accra.

Reason 2: Good value for money, with a range of accommodation options and activities. Strong focus on sustainable tourism and community development. Receives over 1 million tourists per year.

Reason 3: Contributes significantly to local economy, with a focus on job creation and community development. Committed to sustainability, with initiatives like the Ghana Green Tourism initiative.

Website - Ghana Tourism Authority

9
MSC Cruises (South Africa)

Reason 1: Sustainable Cruise Operations
- LNG-Powered Ships: MSC Cruises is a leader in the adoption of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a cleaner fuel source. Their ships, such as the MSC Europa and MSC World Europa, are designed to reduce carbon emissions and minimize environmental impact.
- Zero-Emission Technologies: The company is investing in future technologies like hydrogen fuel cells and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to further reduce its carbon footprint.

Reason 2: Advanced Ship Design and Technology
- Cutting-Edge Ships: MSC Cruises has introduced innovative ship designs, such as the Meraviglia and Seaside classes, which feature advanced technology for energy efficiency, waste management, and passenger experience.
- Digitalization: The company is leveraging digital tools to enhance operational efficiency, improve safety, and personalize the guest experience.

Reason 3: Global Itineraries and Inclusivity
- Diverse Destinations: MSC Cruises offers a wide range of global itineraries, catering to different markets and preferences. Their fleet visits over 200 destinations worldwide, making it a popular choice for travelers.
- Inclusive Pricing: MSC Cruises is known for its inclusive pricing model, which often includes meals, entertainment, and activities, providing value for money to passengers.

Website - MSC Cruises

10
Travel Start (South Africa)

Reason 1: User-Centric Online Booking Platform
- Easy-to-Use Interface: Travelstart offers a user-friendly online platform that allows customers to easily search, compare, and book flights, hotels, and car rentals.
- Customizable Search Options: The platform provides advanced search filters and options to tailor travel plans according to individual preferences and budgets. Partnerships and Collaborations
- Supplier Partnerships: Travelstart collaborates with major airlines, hotels, and car rental companies to offer a wide range of travel options.
- Innovative Solutions: The company works with technology partners to integrate advanced booking systems and improve service delivery.

Reason 2: Competitive Pricing and Deals
- Price Matching: Travelstart often offers price matching guarantees, ensuring customers get the best deals on flights and accommodations.
- Exclusive Offers: The company frequently provides exclusive discounts, promotions, and package deals to attract customers. 3. Mobile App and Digital Solutions
- Mobile App: Travelstart’s mobile app allows users to book travel services on-the-go, offering flexibility and convenience.
- Digital Payment Options: The platform supports various digital payment methods, making transactions seamless and secure.

Reason 3: Customer Support and Services
- 24/7 Customer Support: Travelstart provides round-the-clock customer support to assist travelers with bookings, cancellations, and other inquiries.
- Travel Assistance: The company offers additional services like travel insurance and assistance with visa applications, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Website - Travel Start

11
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Sakhumzi Maqubela (Director) - sakhumzi restaurent

Reason 1: Soweto has a rich history, it is a cultural melting pot and has a vibrant social scene. These factors make Soweto, one of South Africa’s biggest and oldest townships, a tourist hot spot. When one considers the diverse activities, tours and culinary delights available in the area, a day out in Soweto is bound to provide a thrilling experience, even for the well travelled visitor. A lot of organisations have been doing outstanding work in promoting Soweto as a prime tourism destination. One such organisation is Vilakazi Street Tourism. It is the brainchild of Tshepo Kenneth Marumo, a University of Johannesburg graduate with a BA in tourism development. Tshepo knows Vilakazi street like the back of his hand. He started working in the street in 2009 as an intern.

Reason 2: Tshepo knows Vilakazi street like the back of his hand. He started working in the street in 2009 as an intern. He also worked as a waiter and barman and now leads tours in and around Soweto. Tshepo’s passion for vilakazi street is so evident and has not gone un-noticed. He has been featured in various onlines publications such as Jurni, SA Tourism Update and Africa Travel Week.

Reason 3: Vilakazi Street Tourism offers different tour packages such as, Walk like a local tour, Vilakazi Street Neighbourhood Experience, A day in soweto (the ultimate township tourism experience) and educational tours. Tailor made packages can also be put together for individuals, groups and corporates. Connect with Vilakazi Street Tourism on Facebook and spread the love using these hashtags #WeDoTourism #TakeMe2VilakaziStre­et. VST also facilitates bicycle and Tuk Tuk tours, soccer games and team building activities. Tours and travel packages can be arranged for clients interested in visiting city of Johannesburg spots like New town, main Street, Braamfontein, Little Africa, Maboneng precinct and the Jewel City precinct.

12
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM - Neo Nyambose (South Africa) - neos b&b

Reason 1: Imagine this: You are standing in the heart of Soweto. You turn slowly to absorb your surroundings, inhale deeply, considering the interesting smells. You listen carefully to the sounds that surround you, fully immersed in the heart of South Africa’s largest and most famous township. A lively tavern, craft shops and a busy B&B fuel the life and vibrancy of Vilakazi Street, once home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu. This is a street of Nobel Peace Prize Winners.

Reason 2: Here’s what to expect when you start your “Walk like a Local” tour with Vilakazi Street Tourism, founded by Tshepo Kenneth Marumo, whose heart and soul has gone into building up tourism in the area. Tshepo’s ambition is to own his own tourism office and boost the attractiveness of this Jo’burg attraction further. You’ll ‘walk’ alongside the locals of Soweto, being exposed to local arts and craft markets, the residents’ culture and daily life, and visit all the points of interest in the area.

Reason 3: Lunch will tickle your taste buds with local flavours, snacks and refreshments throughout the day. This unique walking tour also offers some incredible photo opportunities and a true insight into what Soweto is all about – the day-to-day that Tshepo wants to share with all visitors.

13
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM - Khulane Vilakazi (South Africa)

Reason 1: Vilakazi Street Tourism Trust, also founded by Tshepo, focuses heavily on sustainable development of tourism and its benefits in the community. The Trust supports local education, sports and games for childhood initiatives. During this authentic engagement with Soweto, you’ll get to know all those special experiences that are close to Tshepo’s heart, as well as his dreams of developing and sustaining the local community. Should you wish to experience this unique, local tour, please contact Vil

Reason 2: Should you wish to experience this unique, local tour, please contact Vilakazi Street Tourism on: 073 363 1668 EMAIL: infovilakazistreet@gmail.com WEBSITE: https://www.facebook.com/VilakazistreetTourism/

Reason 3: Tourism development in Tourism Management studies @ University of Johannesburg. With a robust skill set that includes Research, Marketing Communications, Marketing Strategy, Event Management, Tourism and more.

14
Rudzani Mikosi (South Africa) - Mikosi Tours And Events

Reason 1: A most innovative.

Reason 2: Entrepreneurship in good standing.

Reason 3: Tour operator.

Website - Rudzani Mikosi

15
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Mashoto Mogethi (South African Tourism)

Reason 1: Nice place to visit, very vibrant place, buzzing with people of all race the ultimately recommended DMC tour operator from Soweto, and South Africa through our dedication to promoting, Tourism, products, services and with high quality service all our tourist's and customer's.

Reason 2: The ultimate DMC tour operator always delivering quality, service, ensuring great travel experiences all the time every day.

Reason 3: Encourage business community collaboration and involvement, get off the buss and meet the experience, local travel experiences made by the very local people. We exist to promote Tourism, work together to improve Vilakazi Street Tourism image, sustainability, cleanliness, safety security, community involvement, growth and development. Our tours and travel experiences are well organized, interesting, Interactive and led by local travel experts.

16
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Managing director and travel expert

Reason 1: Dear tourism partners, I'm am here with the tourism opportunities for travel, tourism and hospitality trade people and establishments: * Travel agents, * Tour guides and leader's, * Tour operators, * Hotels, guest house, B&Bs, and accommodation establishments, * Transport and shuttle services, * Leisure, recreation and entertainment establishments, * Restaurants, lifestyle events and establishments, * Conferences meetings and incentives travel organizers. * Schools, - (Public, private schools, teachers, people, authorities, organizations and companies in the education sector).

Reason 2: You are invited to come join our growing network of tourism supply chain and clients services partnerships. Let us connect, We do tourism, and we specialise in: * Vilakazi Street tourism tours and travel experiences, * Soweto township tourism routes and travel, * Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa, - Cultural, history and heritage tour experiences, - City and urban lifestyle tour experiences, - Safari travel and tourism experiences, - Adventure tourism, - special purpose travel experiences.

Reason 3: We offer: * Travel and tourism, * Information, * Bookings and reservations, * Tours, packages and travel experiences: - (Local and international tourist's), - (Public, private and corporate incentives travel groups). * Schools trips and educational fun tours and travel experiences, * Accommodation, and venues, * Transportation, * Events, functions celebrations etc. * Marketing promotions, activations, * Charity, community projects, initiatives, * Many more things to do!!

17
Duma Kenya Safaris (South Africa)

Reason 1: Dumasha is a business that provides travel services like trips,hiking,team building and air ticketing and creating awareness on tourism sustainability in the destinations mainly by providing jobs for the local communities, planting trees,training on tour guiding etc.

Reason 2: The business was started in a local area in Kakamega Kenya where tourism isn't appreciated as much.This has brought awareness to the grassroot level on importance if sustaining the tour destination which has brought a sense of ownership in the community.

Reason 3:The business also is focused on showcasing Africa or rather marketing Africa as a destination for visit.Dumasha has helped people discover the importance of exploring Africa and the different beautiful untapped destinations hence chasing the narrative.

Website - Dumasha Kenya safaris

18
Mr. Tshepo Kenneth Marumo VILAKAZI STREET TOURISM (South Africa) - Spheri White (ubuntu kraal)

Reason 1: August 10\r\n ·\r\n#VilakazistreetTour #sowetotours #VisitSoweto \r\n#Birthdays #Teambuilding #YearEndFunctions #Events #Outings #LocalTravel and #Family #Friends #Celelebrations\r\n 💯🤸🇿🇦✨💃🍹🍺\r\nVILAKAZI STREET NEIGHBORHOOD TRAVEL EXPERIENCE.\r\nIt's an all-inclusive fun and interactive tour package experience in the Precinct; it stops at all points of interest making it the best local travel experience.\r\n🎟️🎫PRICE:\r\nR 850 pp - Ultimate experience.\r\nR 650 pp - Shot left experience.\r\nR 480 pp - Neighborhood experience\r\nIT INCLUDES:\r\n- Welcome drinks and refreshments, ☕🍻\r\n- Guided tour experience,\r\n- Arts, crafts and lifestyle market 🎭\r\n- Explore, experience Hector Peterson memorial museum and trail,\r\n- Photos, and group photos,\r\n- Visit the Mandela house museum,\r\n- Lunch (Kota\/ set braai platters\/ African food Buffet) 🍛\r\n- Drinks and beverages at local RESTAURANT🍹\r\n#TakeMe2VilakaziStreet #TOURISMeSOWETO\r\n#WeDoTourism #LocalTravelExperiences #walklikealocal\r\nV I L A K A Z I - S T R E E T - T O U R I S M\r\n_______________________________\r\nBOOKINGS & INFORMATION:\r\nCALL: 073 363 1668\r\nEMAIL: infovilakazistreet@gmail.com\r\nWEB: https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/VilakazistreetTourism\/

Reason 2: I❤️ JOBURG TRAVEL SPECIAL 🇿🇦\r\n#Maboneng #Jozi #Egoli #Johannesburg #MainStreet #Bramfontain #NewTown #PonteCity #Hilbrow and #Beriea #VictoriaYards #JoburgTravelSpecials\r\n💃✨🤸🍻🎓🤳👫🍍🍜🍛🍨🍹🥂🍻🍷\r\nA very fun interactive and interesting way to explore and experience all Johannesburg travel and tourism points of interest\r\nPRICES for:\r\n* R 450 per person - walk my jozi city.\r\n* R R950 per person - half day in Joburg.\r\n* R 1500 per person - I❤️ Joburg travel special \r\nIT INCLUDES: \r\n- Welcome Johannesburg city,\r\n- Chose your favorite Joburg travel special, \r\n- Neighborhood meeting the locals guided experience,\r\n- Guided walk, history, heritage, arts crafts, culture and lifestyles \r\n- Drinks, refreshments and snacks\r\n- Launch time best restaurant choice and drink,\r\n- pictures and group photos, \r\n-Urban culture and lifestyle at Johannesburg tourism precinct.\r\nBOOKINGS and INFORMATION:\r\n__________________\r\n�: 0624347855\/ 073363168\r\n�: infovlakazistreet@gmail.com\r\n@Vilakazistreet_Tourism

Reason 3: Vilakazi Street is also known as South Africa’s square mile of greatness because many great leaders of our nation come from here, such as the noble peace prize winners Mr president Nelson Mandela and the Arch bishop Desmond tutu. More great leaders in politics, religion, education, spots, arts, and culture come from here.