South African Tourism held its Ubuntu Dinner and Awards Ceremony at the Museum of Natural History in New York. The Ubuntu Awards recognize the top contributors to the tourism industry in South Africa.
The name of the awards is based on the Zulu word “Ubuntu,” which translates to “I am because you are.” The awards are given in gratitude to those who have helped South Africa build its tourism industry.
In attendance was Derek Hanekom, South Africa’s new minister of tourism, Mninwa Mahlangu, Ambassador of South Africa to the United States and Thulani Nzima, CEO of South African Tourism. All gave short speeches to the attendees.
Trevor Noah, the South African comedian, designated to follow Jon Stewart as host of the Daily Show, gave a short, funny talk to the audience.
The award recipients were as follows:
- Top Producer to South Africa – Grand Circle Travel
- Top Producing Online Tour Operator – Expedia
- Top Producing Airline to South Africa – South African Airways
- Best Value for Money Packages – Grand Circle Travel
- Outstanding Achievement in Strategic Partnerships – Indus Travel
- Outstanding Achievement in Creative Partnerships – Heritage Tours
- Outstanding Achievement in a Group Travel Program – SmarTours
- Outstanding Achievement in Incentive Programs – Madison Performance Group
- Outstanding Achievement in International Programs – African Mining Indaba
- Goodwill Ambassador – Trevor Noah
