ECTA FINALISTS ANNOUNCEMENT

It’s official, the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards have selected their finalists and we are excited to share the news

The committee of the Eastern Cape Tourism Awards is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Awards. This year, fifteen categories are represented, with finalists coming from across the province – including Matatiele, Kei Mouth, Kommadagga, East London, Port Alfred, Graaff-Reinet, Gqeberha, Humansdorp, St Francis Bay, and Storms River.

Each finalist will now undergo a rigorous judging process conducted by a panel comprising both industry experts and independent professionals. This process includes comprehensive online interviews and a detailed evaluation of each entrant’s Portfolio of Evidence.

The awards will culminate in a prestigious gala dinner to be held on Saturday, 27 September 2025, at Mentors Country Estate in Jeffreys Bay.

The finalists are as follows:

Best Backpacker & Self Catering:

• Arch Cabins Self Catering
• Resthaven Guest House
• Tube n Axe Backbackers / Lodge

Best Guest House / B&B

• Dune Ridge Country House
• Hacklewood Hill Country House
• The Sands @ St Francis Bay

Best Hotel / Resort

• Courtyard Hotel Gqeberha
• Misty Mountain Reserve
• Royal St Andrews Hotel

Best Lodge Stay

• Crawfords Beach Lodge
• Kuzuko Lodge
• Tsitsikamma Lodge & Spa

 Digital Tourism Influence of the Year

• Firefly the Travel Guy
• Sunshine Simplicities
• The Real Travel Guy

 Future Leaders in Tourism

• Lee-Marque Jansen, Streamline Tourism Marketing and Events
• Onalo Lupindo, Umzinyathi Group
• Zibonele Mdletshe, Untouched Adventures

Event & Conference Organiser of the Year

• Boast Events
• Elske van Heerden
• Exploring with Makhoza

Premier Conference & Events Venue

• Boardwalk International Convention Centre
• Olivewood Wildlife & Golf Estate
• The East London International Convention Centre

Exceptional Safari & Game Park Experience

• Kouga Rhino Sanctuary
• Pumba Private Game Reserve

Iconic Cultural & Heritage Experience

• Hand in Hand Visual Art Studios
• Tshaka Tours and Adventures
• Tsitsikamma Indigenous Tours

Outstanding Culinary Experience & Restaurants

• Awehness Travel
• Big Time Taverna
• Ginger the Restaurant

Sustainable Tourism Award

• Raggy Charters
• SANCCOB NPO
• Storms River Adventures

Tour Operator of the Year

• Awehness Travel
• Lelo N Travels
• Mawethu Platyi

Ultimate Adventure Attraction

• Blackwater Tubing Tsitsikamma
• Face Adrenalin - Bloukrans Bungy
• Wild Coast Horse Trails

Unique Agri-Tourism Experience

• Glen Avon Farm
• Karoo Ranching
• Pabala Private Nature Reserve