Less than a year after starting his acclaimed restaurant, Nyoni’s Kraal in Cape Town, owner Colin Nyoni has scooped South Africa’s top award for emerging tourist entrepreneurs.

It’s the first time that the ETEYA (Emerging Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award) has been won by a Western Cape entrepreneur.

Mr Nyoni’s win was announced last night (Tuesday, 13 November 2007) at the World Travel Market (WTM) expo in London, where he is a guest of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the official tourism destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape, and the Provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

Mr Nyoni said: “I’m thrilled about this, as the selection process was rigorous, but especially because of the exposure it’ll bring for my restaurant. I’ve been in the restaurant business for 19 years and Nyoni’s Kraal is a culmination of all that I’ve learnt.”

Centrally located in Long Street, Cape Town, Nyoni’s Kraal combines the traditional African, Eastern and European influences on the Western Cape and its cuisine and presents them in a modern setting.

The menu changes seasonally to capitalize on fresh seasonal produce. It also offers a profit-sharing scheme for staff.

Each year, Cape Town Routes Unlimited and the Provincial Department host the Western Cape’s regional ETEYA finalist at a number of business-to-business events such as the Tourism Indaba and WTM.

Speaking at WTM, Cape Town Routes Unlimited’s acting chief executive Calvyn Gilfellan, says:

“We’re delighted that Colin’s efforts have been recognised with this richly deserved and prestigious award. It’s a testament to his vision and perseverance, the guidance and training he provides for his staff, as well as the ongoing work by Cape Town Routes Unlimited and other players to further promote tourism as a driver of economic growth and transformation in the Western Cape.”

Gilfellan added that entrepreneurs who in the time leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup hone operations that offer uniquely South African, value-for-money experiences, will be perfectly placed to capitalise on the influx of visitors for the soccer extravaganza.

The Western Cape’s delegation to WTM is led by Provincial Minister of Finance and Tourism, Lynne Brown, who said:

“This province is blessed with a globally unique combination of influences: cultural, geographic and historical. But the human spirit of entrepreneurship and the willingness to take a risk at times is what will allow the province to reach its full, stellar potential.”

WTM is billed as the world’s top business-to-business travel show. Last year 46 000 travel professionals representing 202 countries and regions attended the event and did about R392bn (£28 billion) worth of business at the event, the organisers say.

World Travel Market 2007 is nearly 2% larger compared to last year, welcoming 5 402 exhibitors from more than 200 represented regions and countries.

Read more about Nyoni's Kraal Restaurant.

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