Mohalenyane Phakela
THE glittering annual Lesotho Tourism Awards, held at Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village on Friday was made all the more scintillating by the performances of local artistes.
Guests at the awards ceremony, who included a number of dignitaries, could not get enough of the entertainment on offer as they spent most of the evening on the dance floor.
The opening act was gifted poet, Mpho Sefali, who recited poems in line with the themes of the event; tourism and culture. Thereafter, Famo legends, Puseletso Seema and Sefako sa Menoaneng, belted out tunes that took the audience down memory lane and bringing to the for the local culture.
Thereafter, Kwaito sensations, Stlofa and Sentšo, wowed the crowd with their energetic stage presence and had the crowd singing along to their popular songs.
The premise of the event was to appreciate the efforts of locals in uplifting the tourism sector of the Mountain Kingdom.
The winners list was as follows:
Crafts
- Grass Products – Likila Handicrafts
- Wool and Mohair – Leribe Crafts Centre
- Horn Products – Kekeletso Botsane
- Leather Products – Fusi Leather and Manufacturing repairs
- Pottery – Ts’oana Maliba Handicrafts
- Sand Painting – Mokhethi Chabeli
Community based tourism activities
Tšoana Maliba Cultural Village Cooperative Association
Home stays
- Ha Liphapang Rural Homestead
Graded accomodation
- Orion Mohale Lodge
Tour operators
- Leseli Tours
Travel agency
- Maseru Travel Centre
Lifetime achievement
- Tšeliso Ramakhula
Lesotho Sky was also awarded for promoting tourism through sport with their adventure cycling events.
Speaking at the prestigious event, the Chief Executive Officer of Lesotho Tourism Development Cooperation (LTDC), Mpaiphele Maqutu, congratulated the winners and thanked them for their contribution to the tourism sector.
“Today we are awarding the excellence of these people that have become tourism ambassadors and have indeed contributed to our economy whilst also highlighting the importance of tourism in promoting opportunities for our local communities,” Mr Maqutu said
“It is my understanding that tourism can only prosper if it engages the local population by contributing to social values such as participation, education and enhanced local governance.”
Mr Maqutu expressed hope the awards will not only strengthen the recipients but chart a new dispensation in Lesotho’s tourism sector, while also encouraging more members of the public to engage wholeheartedly in tourism activities.
On his part, the Minister of Tourism, Environment and Culture, Mamahele Hadebe, hailed the tourism sector for marketing Lesotho.
“This sector has not only revived the Kingdom of Lesotho but has been instrumental in promoting and educating people’s perceptions of a country that is fast establishing itself as one of Southern Africa’s most historical and adventurous tourism destinations.
“Since September is World Tourism Month, LTDC found it befitting to honour, recognise and award our tourism players from all their spheres who have displayed commitment, dedication and perseverance to contribute directly to tourism growth,” he said.
“I stand here today to salute tourism players for their courageous and dedicated work, and I urge all of them to continue to take advantage of this favourable environment,” she said.
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