Polokwane - Black tourism entrepreneurs from Limpopo have one day left to enter the 2012 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Awards (Eteya) competition.
Spokesperson for Limpopo Tourism and Parks (LTP), Ntlhekeng Kgatla, said the competition closes on Friday and urged interested operators of small, medium and micro enterprises within the tourism sector to grab the opportunity.
"We are only left with Friday for all entries to be wrapped up. A lot of tourism operators have responded positively to the competition, but we are saying it is not too late for those left behind. Enter today," said Kgatla, on Thursday.
Kgatla said the annual competition is open to black entrepreneurs with a tourism business that has been in operation for less than five years and has an annual turnover of no more than R5 million.
"The main objective of hosting the competition is to raise service standards and reward entrepreneurs who go all out to give an authentic South African experience," said Kgatla.
He said the competition is a South African tourism initiative in partnership with South African Breweries and the Limpopo economic development, environment and tourism department.
LTP chief executive Rob Tooley said the province had won the overall national first prize three times in 2002, 2004 and 2006. In 2009, the province achieved first runner-up.
"In 2007, 2010 and 2011, we received the second runner-up awards. This is a very impressive achievement for us as a province and we would like to continue on this path, which assists in creating the necessary jobs in this sector of the economy." said Tooley.
He said the competition would help uplift standards and that the LTP would help applicants meet requirements for entering the competition.
For more information, entrepreneurs can call 015 293 3600.