“Port Alfred is truly the heart of the Sunshine Coast,” says Sunshine Coast board member Wessel Benson in reaction to the presentation of seven prestigious Eastern Cape Lilizela Awards to tourism properties on the Sunshine Coast.
The Royal St. Andrews Hotel, of which Benson is the general manager, came first in the four-star hotel category in the Eastern Cape.
“This was a hotly-contested category, with eleven properties in the province being nominated. Having the top hotel in Port Alfred itself will help boost tourism to the Sunshine Coast,” he says.
Research conducted by the Royal St. Andrews Hotel found that tourists use Port Alfred as a base from which to explore the Sunshine Coast and Settler Country.
The Sunshine Coast runs from Port Elizabeth to East London, and incorporates a number of nature reserves, historical towns, battlefields and other attractions reflecting the rich cultural and natural heritage of the region.
The Oceana Beach and Wildlife Reserve, which is about nine kilometres outside Port Alfred, was placed first in the five-star hotel category.
Both the Oceana and Royal St. Andrews are part of the Mantis Collection.
The 5-Star Oyster Box Beach House in Kenton-on-sea was awarded a Lilizela in the self-catering exclusive category.
The big winners on the night was the Sibuya Game Reserve near Kenton on Sea,” which scooped three awards – Best Accommodation 4-star Game Lodge, and Best Wildlife Encounter
Sibuya head ranger Dave McNair was awarded Top Field Guide.
Situated on the Kariega River, Sibuya offers day trips from the Royal St. Andrews Hotel, as well as overnight accommodation in tented camps and a bush lodge.
Access is by boat up the river.
The fourth winner is the Cannon Rocks Holiday Resort, which was adjudged the best 5-Star caravan park in the province.
“These wins will help boost tourism to Port Alfred and surrounds as it shows that we offer top-class accommodation and experiences to everyone from families to self-drive couples,” says Benson.
All regional winners qualify for the national finals, which will be announced on October 29.
Alan Straton
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