Vote At World Travel Awards for City Businesses

 

By Fred Felton | Sep 3, 2024

Durban has eight top business travel and tourism establishments nominated in some of the awards’ most cherished categories for the 31^st World Travel Awards.

The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre is a nominee in the World Travel Awards 2024. | Photo: Fiona Wainwright 

This year eThekwini has received four nominations including Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2024 (which Durban has won for the last three years).

There are also nominations for the City for Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2024, Africa’s Leading City Destination 2024 as well as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Destination 2024.

There are further nominations for Africa’s Leading Airport 2024 (King Shaka International Airport), Africa’s Leading Cruise Port 2024 (Port of Durban), Africa’s Leading Luxury Hotel 2024 (The Oyster Box), and the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) was nominated as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre 2024.

"Festivals and big events have an enormous impact on boosting local tourism and the economy,” noted eThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba.

The voting for these awards is open to the public on the World Travel Awards website and closes on 8 September 2024. The public is encouraged to vote for those nominated and support the tourism industry.  The winners will be announced at the World Travel Awards Grand Final 2024 which takes place on the scenic islands of Madeira on 24 November 2024.

 ‘’We call on all residents to rally behind the City by casting their vote in order to bring these awards home,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

To register and make your vote, follow this link: https://www.worldtravelawards.com/register

Visit www.durban.travel for more information on Durban offerings or follow them on social media @DBNTourism

A little story about a bag I picked up at Indaba 2013

This week I attended a media reception held by the Airports Company of South Africa at Indaba 2013.

They gave us these bags:



They have some wonderful beading that decorates them.

If you read the card attached to the bag you discover a little something.

These bags are made at Sithandiwe Disabled Care Centre in Alexandra.  Airports Company SA has supported the company in finding new premises.

The centre has been operating for 8 years and was started by a woman who has a disability herself.
The centre caters for 105 people ranging in ages.  They have various physical and intellectual disabilities.
21 people reside there mostly children, some are orphans.

The centre is largely self-sufficient through the sale of beadwork, baskets and paintings produced by those who work there.

They really are wonderful bags and if you would like to contribute either by purchasing their products or making a donation please call Zandi Ndhlovu on 071-435-5853
or email sithandiwedcc@webmail.co.za 

Article and Photo by Fred Felton - @fredfelton


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• Highlights from the Travel Bloggers Conference at Indaba 2013

Have you booked your spot for Indaba 2013?

Indaba 2013 is coming this year.  If you are in Tourism this one is for you:

STATEMENT FROM SOUTH AFRICAN TOURISM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, THULANI NZIMA

Following constructive discussions with INDABA Bid Parties and the broader tourism industry in Kwazulu-Natal, South African Tourism has decided to revert back to a four-day INDABA taking place from 11-14 May 2013.

For all stakeholders, it made business sense to continue to have the show over four days at Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, and we would like to thank them for their input. We are, however, continuously reviewing INDABA and will make fundamental changes to the show from 2014 onwards, which we hope to announce shortly. As for INDABA 2013, we are working on ensuring a positive INDABA experience for all delegates and on improving the strong product mix. We are confident the show will retain its important status in generating business for South Africa’s travel trade and providing considerable value for local and international buyers. The costs for the hire of the INDABA venue has gone up an average of 20% over the last three years and while we have tried to shield exhibitors from these increased costs, we regrettably will have to implement the 6% inflation increase for INDABA 2013. We have, however, provided a 10% discount to TOMSA levy collectors, who are the main stand holders at INDABA. We advise all tourism products to check that they are in good standing with TOMSA by the end of November, so as to be able to benefit from this discount.

In order to enhance the quality and business environment at INDABA, we have made the criteria for visitors to INDABA stricter and will allow local trade visitors access to the show on 12, 13 and 14 May and to students only on 14 May.

For more information on the show and for details on how to register to attend, visit the website.

(Source - South African Tourism)