November 30, 2005
By Lucille Davie
THE Johannesburg Development Agency (JDA) has won a British Globe Award for its role in developing innovative tourism destinations in Joburg.
The British Guild of Travel Writers (BGTW) makes a Globe Award each year, in recognition of international tourism projects. Work on regeneration projects like the Drill Hall, Constitution Hill, Braamfontein, Faraday and Newtown earned the agency the award.
The BGTW website says the award, established in 2001, is "given to a major new tourism project worldwide, with projected ticket sales/visitors of over 250 000 per year".
The award recognises "responsible tourism development with local economic and community benefits".
Says JDA chief executive Lael Bethlehem, "We are very delighted to have won such a reputable international award. It does show that people appreciate the work we are doing."
Melissa Shales, the chairperson of the BGTW, says she nominated the JDA following a trip to Johannesburg, where she was impressed with the projects in which the agency was involved.
"This vast redevelopment fulfils all the criteria, with a collection of powerful new tourism attractions. It is one of the finest urban regeneration programmes in the world, vastly improving the local environment and economy and protecting a vitally important cultural heritage."
The BGTW, with 250 members, is the professional association of travel writers in the United Kingdom. Each year it recognises four achievements: the Globe Award; the best overseas tourism project; the best UK tourism project; and the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Gauteng Tourism Authority is also pleased with the accolade. "Yet again the international travel fraternity has endorsed our world-class tourism facilities, and yet again our products have withstood scrutiny by a team of experts," says chief executive Cawe Mahlati.
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