Award winners show the incredibly diverse tourism offerings on the Sapphire Coast

From visitor accessibility and experiences to accommodation, the Sapphire Coast has come out tops at the fourth Durban Tourism Business Awards, showcasing the wealth of tourism options on this beautiful coastal stretch. Hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in June, the awards honoured innovation and excellence within the tourism sector, with the Sapphire Coast claiming five awards on the night.

This year, there were 17 categories at the Durban Tourism Awards with winners receiving cash prizes up to R50, 000, while the first runner-up bagged a prize to the value of R35, 000, and the second runner-up walked away with R25, 000.

Exceptional Achievement Award winners received an international study tour worth R100, 000 and extensive marketing opportunities to advertise their businesses.

“We are incredibly proud of all our winners and top-performing tourism operators who continue to demonstrate why the Sapphire Coast is a visitors’ destination of choice. This is also a great example of the benefits of Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) Membership with organisations like Sapphire Coast Tourism – which is one of nine CTOs within eThekwini – offering membership opportunities. We encourage other interested establishments to pursue this value-added route,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. 

The Sapphire Coast in KwaZulu-Natal extends from Athlone Park in the North to Clansthal in the South, including inland areas to Umbumbulu. This attractive coastal region walked away with three overall wins, and two top-three placements.

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Universally Accessible and Green Sustainability Award

• First place: Wheels on Waves
• Third place: ATKV-Natalia  

Exceptional Visitor Experience Award

• First place: Gary’s Horses

Tourism Excellence in Accommodation Award (less than 50 rooms)

• First place: The View Boutique Hotel and Spa
• Second place: Bali Grand Lodge and Spa

Father and son duo, Wesley and Reece Smith, are passionate advocates for disability rights and are spearheading efforts to make Amanzimtoti the top international destination for disabled visitors. Reece Smith, a quadriplegic with an enduring love for the ocean, believes inclusivity is vital which is why they started Wheels on Waves – a free service that gives people with mobility challenges safe access to the ocean via Sandcruiser beach wheelchairs.

Commenting on their win, Reece Smith from Wheels on Waves, said, “We are transforming Amanzimtoti Beach – and the KZN region – into a tourist destination of choice for the disabled, and we aim to distribute floatable wheelchairs to all bathing beaches in South Africa. It’s a huge honour to win the Durban Tourism Award as this will spread awareness about what we’re doing and assist in fundraising for future events. 

Another exceptional tourism experience is Gary’s Horses which, for more than two decades, has given tourists the chance to experience Amanzimtoti and surrounds on horseback. Hosting everything from children’s parties, pony camps, and horse-drawn weddings to rural and beach rides, this is a must-try experience on the Sapphire Coast.

“Winning this prestigious award means so much as we were competing against some of the best in the industry. It’s such an honour for ourselves, and for everyone who supported us – without whom we couldn’t have achieved this award,” commented Gary Coetzee, owner of Gary’s Horses. 

Showcasing the region’s quality accommodation venues, the Sapphire Coast bagged both first and second position in the Tourism Excellence in Accommodation Awards for venues of less than 50 rooms.

Taking home first place was the View Boutique Hotel and Spa, which started more than three decades back as a family-owned, two-room guesthouse. It has since expanded into the beautiful, 47-room boutique hotel it is today, with a world-class spa and an award-winning Italian restaurant, offering personalised hospitality.

“The award is an incredible accolade and shows that dedication and passion for what you do really pay off. This inspires and motivates us to raise the bar even higher. Being a tourism member allows us to partake in events that greatly benefit our exposure to the industry and build ourselves from being a ‘hidden gem’ to the winner of Best Accommodation in Durban,” commented hotel manager, Dylan Lategan. 

For more information about the Sapphire Coast and its diverse tourism offerings, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za