Tshwane Tourism Awards: Diverse winners and finalists celebrated for contributing to growth

Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris has done it again, winning another coveted tourism award.

A winner of the South African Tourism “Welcome Awards 2006”, the internationally-acclaimed hot air balloon operator was one of the winners at the Tshwane Tourism Awards held over the weekend at B Boys …

The operator won the Tourist Attraction of the Year, a hotly contested category with strong runners -  Acrobranch Adventure Park, Adventure Zone Africa, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures at Oxbow Country Estate, Time Square, and Voortrekker Monument.

The Tshwane Tourism Awards, held on Saturday 16 August at Batter Boys Village, was a glittering celebration of resilience, innovation and excellence in the Capital’s tourism sector. The evening brought together more than 300 entrepreneurs, hoteliers, tour operators, educators, restaurateurs and public leaders in an atmosphere filled with hope and inspiration for the future of tourism in Tshwane.

Chairperson of the Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA), Susan Marais, welcomed esteemed guests with a nostalgic walk down memory lane, reminding everyone of the incredible variety of experiences that Tshwane has to offer: from rich heritage and outdoor adventure to fine dining, world-class conferencing, quality education and outstanding accommodation. She also expressed heartfelt gratitude to the TTA Board for their selfless commitment and hard work in serving the Association, which operates as a non-profit organisation. 

Master of Ceremonies Janis Ellis, radio presenter and founder of the Fame Factory, guided guests through the programme with flair, while keynote speaker Boshoff Grobler, Chairperson of Heal our Land and co-founder of the Adventure Institute, reminded the industry of the power of "intentional experiences". His call to move from serving “that client” to truly honouring “the client” resonated deeply with every professional in the room. 

Driver of economic revival

MMC for Economic Development and Spatial Planning, Cllr Sarah Mabotsa, also addressed the audience, highlighting tourism as a key driver of Tshwane’s economic revival strategy. She emphasised that the sector not only creates jobs but positions the Capital City as a destination of choice for investors and visitors alike.

The finalists and winners were evaluated on four pillars that are vital to the growth of the industry: Community Contribution & Sustainability, Internal Environment & Team Culture, Industry Collaboration & Engagement, and Business Growth & Improvement.

"These principles are more than judging criteria: they are values that must be embedded in the daily life of every tourism business. The TTA is immensely proud that the 2025 finalists not only embraced these values but lived them out in ways that uplift communities, strengthen teams, build partnerships and drive long-term growth." Said Marais

An esteemed panel of judges, each an expert in their field, ensured that the process was thorough, credible and completely independent. Their knowledge and dedication guaranteed fairness and gave entrants the assurance that recognition was earned with integrity.

The night celebrated the remarkable diversity of Tshwane’s tourism landscape, from grassroots enterprises to five-star hotels, from vibrant local attractions to world-class training providers. Each finalist was proof that the Capital City continues to rise, adapt and inspire.

The awards ceremony was not only about recognising excellence: it was also a reaffirmation of Tshwane’s unique place as a tourism destination with global significance. With an air of hope, inspiration and renewed commitment, the 2025 Tshwane Tourism Awards shone a spotlight on the people and places building the wildest, most wonderful capital city in the world.

2025 Finalists and Winners

• Guesthouse of the Year Winner: Noxolo Guesthouse Finalists: 137@ Murray Street Guesthouse, Casa Toscana Lodge
• Tour Operator of the Year Winner: Ulysses Tours & Safaris CC Finalists: Famba Famba Tour Design Specialists, La Luonde Tours
• Restaurant of the Year Winner: Capital Craft Beer Academy Finalists: Eat In Italian, LeSi Restaurant at Casa Toscana Lodge
• Spa & Wellness Provider of the Year Winner: Mangwanani Spa Finalists: Incognito Spa and Events Pty Ltd, L’abri Day Spa Pretoria
• Lodge of the Year Winner: Kwalata Game Lodge Finalists: MELA Luxury Game Lodge, Ritsako Game Lodge
• Supplier of the Year Winner: eCom Finalists: Albacoxe Productions, Q2B Solutions, Travelex
• Education & Training Provider of the Year Winner: The Capital Hotel School and Training Academy Finalists: School for the Art and Science of Event Management (by Conference Consultancy South Africa)
• Hotel of the Year Winner: Menlyn Boutique Hotel Finalists: City Lodge Hotel Hatfield, Garden Court Hatfield, The Maslow Time Square Hotel
• Tourist Attraction of the Year Winner: Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris Finalists: Acrobranch Adventure Park, Adventure Zone Africa, DITSONG: National Museum of Natural History, Freedom Park Heritage Site and Museum, Sundowner Flyfishing Adventures at Oxbow Country Estate, Time Square, Voortrekker Monument
• Conference & Events Venue of the Year Winner: Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate Finalists: CSIR International Convention Centre, Inani Hotels Morning Star, Menlyn Boutique Hotel, South African National Biodiversity Institute, Southern Sun Pretoria, Sunbet Arena Time Square.