A local tour operator in White River, Ntwanano Tours and Travel was chosen as the Mpumalanga finalist of the prestigious 2012/2013 Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA). The results were recently announced at the Tourism Enterprise Partnership workshop held during the Tourism Indaba in Durban. This was after a rigorous judging process in which eight other provincial finalists were chosen.Each finalist will be awarded a R10 000 grant to go towards the development of the business plan that they worked on earlier in the competition. The business plan will take into account all of the elements covered during the months with the mentor and the feasibility of implementing the plan in an actual business environment.ETEYA is aimed at empowering emerging entrepreneurs and extend the wealth of authentically diverse South African Tourism experiences. The competition was launched by South African Tourism in 2001 at INDABA in Durban. It was designed primarily to encourage and sustain the development of Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME’s) within the tourism industry. This competition truly honours South Africa’s most promising and innovative emerging tourism business owners.The main objectives of ETEYA are to enhance job creation, the financial sustainability and development of the SMME sector within the tourism industry. In addition, the intention is to extend the wealth of authentically diverse South African tourism experiences. Site visits by the judging panel took place in February 2013 and the short-listed candidates then had a month to prepare a Growth plan presentation to demonstrate to the judges that their businesses significantly contributed to economic empowerment, offer a product or service which is innovative, and have a sound business plan to ensure continued growth and opportunity for expansion. The judging panel whose members represent partner organisations consists of Southern African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), the Tourism Grading Council (TGCSA), the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP), South African Tourism, and Provincial Tourism AgenciesThe overall national winner of this award will be selected from the nine provincial winners and will be announced on September 27, during the World Tourism Day celebrations in the North West Province. The overall winner will receive R100, 000 in cash as well as access to mentorship and training as well as invaluable marketing assistance from leading industry experts. To qualify for the competition, entrepreneurs need to demonstrate innovation on how to operate a business, and further demonstrate the extent to which their business plans meet consumer demand in a globally competitive environment. Entrants are also required to address responsible and sustainable business practices which should highlight how their business contributes to job creation. For more information and to download application forms for ETEYA 2013/14, visit www.eteya.co.zaENDSIssued byMpumalanga Tourism and Parks AgencyContact Person:Ms Kholofelo NkambuleSenior Manager: Corporate RelationsTel. +27 13 759 5300/12 Email: kholo@mtpa.co.za | Website: www.mpumalanga.com
