“The expansion of these awards categories was deliberate, driven by what we were hearing from the industry – that talent across every discipline deserves to be seen. Hospitality is one of the most significant contributors to employment and economic activity in this country. A single tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning the ripple effect extends across entire households and communities. The people powering that contribution are too often invisible,” said FEDHASA Cape Chair and organiser of the event, Lee-Anne Singer.

“Recognition is not ceremonial. It’s a retention tool and a statement to the next generation that this is an industry worth dedicating a career to,” she added.

Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails from Motsamayi Tourism Group, while the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra provided an evening of entertainment befitting the occasion. Comedian Dalin Oliver served as master of ceremonies, bringing warmth and energy to a room that needed little encouragement to celebrate.

Rashid Toefy of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDAT) and Tracy Mkhize of Cape Town Tourism were also in attendance, serving as a reminder that the health of South Africa’s hospitality industry is not a private sector concern alone, but a matter of economic and social consequence for the country at large.

“FEDHASA is here to ensure that the professionals and businesses making up this industry have the advocacy and support they need to do what they do best. South Africa’s hospitality sector is projected to contribute more than R554.6 billion to our GDP and support nearly two million jobs by 2032. Realising that potential requires investment in people and policy that enables rather than constrains, and in an association that fights for this industry every single day. That’s what FEDHASA is here to do, and evenings like Wednesday’s are a reminder of exactly why it matters,” said FEDHASA National Chair, Brett Tungay.

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards Winners:

• Hospitality Consultant of the Year: Theresa Prins, Revenue Resolutions
• Revenue & Distribution Manager of the Year: Eddie Venter, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Tricia Wood, Profitroom
• Front Office Manager of the Year: Jason Powell, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Concierge of the Year: Masood Sadulla, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Executive Housekeeper of the Year: Enara Muza, The Silo Hotel
• Beverage Professional of the Year: Bekithemba Moyo, Blue Wave Mobile Bar
• Meetings & Event Manager of the Year: Deidre Raubenheimer, University of Cape Town
• Chef of the Year: Christo Pretorius, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Digital Innovation & Technology Professional of the Year: José Soares, The Capital Hotels & Apartments
• Finance Professional of the Year: Louise Waddicor, The Silo Hotel
• Talent Manager of the Year: Lee-Anne Burrows, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
• Sustainability & ESG Professional of the Year: Sonica Matthee, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Spa & Wellness Manager of the Year: Joanne Lyons, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Rising Star of the Year: Thanaa Norodien, Singer Group
• Trailblazer Award: Lance Gibbons, SA Chef Media
• General Manager of the Year: Yuri De Villiers, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Leader of the Year: George Cohen, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards were made possible through the generous support of:

Motsamayi Tourism Group, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Access Group, TBCSA, Bryte Insurance, Ankerdata, RoomPriceGenie, StayNTouch, Smart Operator, HotelTime, Santam, FNB, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Fuel.

In a recent meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Tourism, Parliament called for urgent corrective measures to clear outstanding applications, end inconsistent enforcement, and halt the unfair impoundment and fining of operators who had already applied and were awaiting approval.  

The committee further highlighted that hundreds of applications remain outstanding and warned that delays have placed severe financial strain on operators and threatened jobs across the tourism value chain.  

For years, operators faced penalties and even vehicle impoundments despite complying with regulations while waiting for licences to be processed – a situation that disrupted businesses nationwide and undermined confidence in the sector.  

FEDHASA National Chairperson Brett Tungay said: “The tour operator industry in South Africa can now breathe a sigh of relief as Parliament steps in to intervene in a decade-long struggle marked by licensing delays, unfair impoundments and inconsistent enforcement of regulations. 

“This is a major step toward restoring fairness, certainty and dignity to operators who have been trying to comply with the law while simply attempting to keep their businesses alive. Tourism is an ecosystem. When tour operators suffer, accommodation establishments, restaurants, attractions, guides and local communities all suffer with them.” 

FEDHASA noted that tour operators form a critical link in the tourism economy, directly supporting accommodation, restaurants, activity providers and transport services. Tourism is a significant contributor to employment and economic growth in South Africa, and regulatory certainty is essential for investment and recovery. 

Parliament has also called for improved governance at the National Public Transport Regulator, increased processing capacity, and alignment across provinces to prevent further inconsistent enforcement.  

Tungay added: “This outcome demonstrates what can be achieved when government and industry work together constructively. We now look forward to the implementation phase – clearing the backlog, restoring operational certainty, and allowing the tourism sector to focus on what it does best: welcoming visitors and creating jobs.” 

FEDHASA believes this intervention marks an important turning point for rebuilding confidence in South Africa as a tourism destination and enabling the sector to grow, invest and employ more South Africans. 

AirlinePros International unveiled its Digital Destination Marketing Portal, FlyingCarpet.travel at its four-day International Assembly in Cape Town, targeting what industry insiders say is one of 2026’s biggest challenges: helping travel advisors find and book the authentic experiences their clients increasingly demand.  

The Portal launch comes as travel professionals report a fundamental shift in client requests. Travellers are walking away from traditional tourist attractions, asking instead for cooking classes with local families, stays at community-owned lodges, and workshops with traditional craftspeople – experiences that until now have been nearly impossible for advisors to source and book.  

“Travel advisors have been telling us for months that their clients want authentic experiences, but they can’t find them through normal booking channels,” said Achma Asokan Foster, Group CEO of AirlinePros International. “Nobody knows about the Trappist Trail in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, yet everyone talks about the Camino in Spain. We’re not talking about slightly off-the-beaten-path tours. Clients want the real thing: experiences that actually benefit local communities.”  

The Aladdin’s world program on FlyingCarpet.Travel portal showcases previously hidden experiences like Zambia’s extraordinary bat migration at Kasanka National Park – where 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats create the world’s largest mammal migration from October to December – and South Africa’s Abbot Pfanner Trappist Trail, a spiritual walking route through historic mission stations in KwaZulu-Natal that rivals Spain’s famous Camino routes.  

Bridging NTOs, DMOs and Travel Advisors 

Aladdin’s World, part of AirlinePros International’s expanding digital portfolio, serves as a destination marketing and fulfilment solution that bridges National Tourism Organisations, Destination Management Organisations, and travel advisors seeking bookable authentic experiences.  

It provides travel advisors with integrated booking capabilities and real-time transactional features that traditional informational NTO sites lack. Unlike commoditised OTA platforms focused on price competition, Aladdin’s World emphasises destination uniqueness and quality while providing zero-cost core services for participating NTOs, removing barriers that previously prevented smaller destinations from accessing professional travel distribution networks.  

Empowering SMEs Through Advanced Technology 

The platform’s breakthrough lies in giving small and medium enterprises access to the same booking infrastructure available to major hotel chains and tour operators. Through the “Oasis” Local Supplier CMS & Booking Engine, currently under development, local artisans, family-run lodges, and community guides will manage real-time booking and multi-tier pricing through easy-to-use supplier dashboards.  

“For the first time, a traditional craft workshop or family-run eco-lodge will be able to offer travel advisors the same instant booking confirmation and professional service standards as international operators,” Foster explained. Features include automated promotions, resource allocation tools, and supplier notification systems that level the playing field for authentic local providers.  

AI-Powered Solutions Meet Market Demand 

The timing addresses what industry research confirms is 2026’s defining travel trend: complete rejection of manufactured tourism experiences. Multiple industry reports highlight travellers prioritising cultural depth, meaningful experiences, and alternatives to ‘overtourised’ destinations.  

Travel advisors benefit from the platform’s “Genie” AI-Powered Destination Trip Planner, which provides smart recommendations and itinerary adjustments, plus data-driven marketing insights that traditional platforms don’t offer. One-click booking capabilities for flights, hotels and tours streamline the booking process, while interactive chatbot and voice command features enhance user experience.  

Industry Recognition and Global Reach 

Operating across over 60 countries through AirlinePros’ established network, the platform leverages decades of airline industry expertise to provide the reliability travel advisors need while connecting them with experiences previously accessible only through complex local arrangements.  

The Cape Town assembly brought together representatives from nearly 70 global offices, aviation and tourism leaders, and media professionals exploring pressing industry themes from sustainability to AI integration, highlighting the platform’s strategic timing as the industry addresses evolving client demands.  

As UN Tourism’s Elcia Grandcourt notes: “What visitors don’t see is how tourism preserves culture, creates opportunities for young people to thrive in their communities, and safeguards biodiversity.” The platform directly supports this by ensuring booking revenue flows to local providers rather than international intermediaries. 

This accreditation shift brings substantial changes for guides and aspiring professionals. The new QCTO framework will likely introduce different training structures, assessment methods, and administrative requirements. Those without NQF4 certification may need to complete additional training under the new system, potentially facing longer timelines and increased costs. EcoTraining’s Online NQF4 Bridging Course provides a strategic opportunity to secure recognised qualifications – without interrupting current employment – before these changes take effect.

“Change is the only constant in this industry,” says Brett Heasman, EcoTraining General Manager overseeing the NQF4 programme. “Expanding your knowledge and skill set now is vital, especially with the right people mentoring and supporting you through every step. This new way forward is about helping guides grow with consistent support and structured learning.”

Features of the Online NQF4 Bridging Course:

• Live, interactive lectures combined with official FGASA modules
• Professional mentorship throughout the programme
• Flexible format designed for currently employed guides
• Completion before regulatory changes provides a competitive advantage

The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is currently transferring guiding certifications to create a full Tourist Guide qualification, with Nature Guide part-qualifications expected at NQF Level 3 or 4. Guides who already hold NQF4 certification will be better positioned once these changes take effect.

Beyond regulatory compliance, the qualification serves as a stepping stone to further education, including EcoTraining’s Higher Education Ecotourism Field Guide Programme (NQF Level 5).

“For years, guiding knowledge has been passed from one passionate individual to another,” Heasman notes. “This next chapter formalises that learning, while keeping it grounded in the real, muddy-boots world that makes guiding so special.” Interested parties can explore EcoTraining’s courses, including the Online NQF4 Bridging Course, at www.ecotraining.co.za. 

The lodge, ENVI Addo Private Reserve, is located within a private conservation reserve of 1,800 hectares bordering Addo National Park, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. Just 75 minutes away from Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth), and minutes from the iconic Addo Elephant National Park, the property consists of 10 safari tents and three lodges offering an intimate and immersive stay surrounded by pristine wilderness.

The Lodge will offer guests a culinary journey through the Eastern Cape, from the Xhosa hearth to the Afrikaans farm kitchen, and the Khoi San roots of foraging and fire. Guests will enjoy an open fire cooking experience (the cornerstone of the Lodge’s culinary identity), a breakfast in the bush, or a sunset drink where guides share stories about their wildest wildlife encounters.

True to ENVI’s philosophy, wellbeing lies at the heart of the experience. Guests can reconnect with nature through guided walks, cycling trails, meditation, and bespoke spa rituals, before unwinding by the lodge’s serene pool, while enjoying a front-row seat to animals gathering to drink at the nearby waterhole. The solar-powered lodge, with its fully equipped game vehicles and highly trained guides, also promises to offer some of the most unique game drives and walking safaris in the country.

The reserve is owned by Gavin and Lynn Biggs, two conservation philanthropists who are devoting their life to regeneration and rewilding. They use their large reserve as a rehabilitation field for animals that they save from captivity, allowing them to reacclimatise to the great outdoors for a period, before releasing them into the private reserve.

“I have been fortunate in my life to have a successful business that allows me to invest in what is close to my heart: conservation”, said Biggs. “Throughout the years, we managed to rescue and release into the wild many game species and wildlife with rare genetic variations. This was only possible thanks to the work that my team and I do in the reserve daily.”

The reserve includes very rare serval cats and black footed cats, as well as giraffes, sable antelopes, black impalas, zebras, buffalos, wildebeests, and large herds of impalas, kudus and Nyalas. It is also the only reserve with five privately owned elephants and three cheetahs, living freely within their natural game reserve habitat. In fact, the herd of Asanta Sana elephants, thanks to a landmark conservation initiative with the Wildlife Emergency Fund and Fisher Foundation, was carefully and ethically relocated to the reserve to ensure the preservation of their unique family structure and to provide them with a safe, protected habitat. As for the rescued cheetahs, the expansive, carefully managed reserve provides these remarkable cats with an environment that closely mirrors their wild ecosystem, allowing them to exhibit natural behaviours and thrive as part of a balanced predator-prey dynamic.

Biggs’ objective is to attract more guests to come and partake in the conservation initiatives that he has been leading, allowing more people to learn about endangered species and support rewilding efforts. He is now planning to re-introduce brown hyena to the property, a scavenger which has not roamed these lands for some 150 years. “I want more people to be part of our mission, and I believe that hospitality and tourism can perfectly complement the work that we have been doing”, added Biggs. “This is why I decided to partner with ENVI Lodges to manage my lodge within the reserve. It is an international lodge brand whose values align with mine.” With ENVI, he wishes to raise awareness and position his reserve on the global eco-tourism stage.

Paul Jordaan, ENVI’s Executive Director, explains: “I am particularly proud of this new addition to the ENVI portfolio. Not only because it is in my home country and that it marks our brand’s entry in South Africa, but also because of the incredible conservation work that Gavin has been doing, which resonates with me personally, and with our company.”

Conservation is not only about protecting wildlife, but also about healing the land they call home. One of the lodge’s most impactful ecological initiatives involves the revival of spekboom, an indigenous plant hailed as a natural carbon sponge and a cornerstone of South Africa’s ecological restoration efforts. Another conservation project is based on protecting and nurturing the mighty Cape honey bee which plays a silent but significant role in sustaining the natural environment. The lodge will also produce and sell its own premium organic honey.

ENVI’s objective for this lodge goes beyond offering an elevated hospitality and an unforgettable safari experience; it is also about showcasing the reserve’s conservation efforts and becoming a reference for regenerative hospitality projects.

“Unlike traditional safaris, guests here are not just spectators; we want them to become actors”, concluded Jordaan. “The lodge will truly offer them transformative experiences, help raise awareness around conservation, and create encounters with animals that travellers will never forget”.

For further information on ENVI Lodges, please visit www.envilodges.com.