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CATEGORY |
DESCRIPTION/CRITERIA |
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ACCOMODATION:
· Best Hotel
· Best Safari Lodge
· Best Lodge
· Best Guest House |
This category acknowledges exceptional hotels, lodges and guesthouses that consistently provide outstanding services.
The nominees should demonstrate the following.
- Customer Service – staff friendliness, responsiveness and professionalism in handling guest inquiries and requests
- Sustainability and Environment – adoption and usage of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices such as water and energy conservation, usage of recyclable materials and waste reduction
- Universal Accessibility & safety – efforts to accommodate guests who are differently abled to promote inclusivity.
- Skills Development – evidence of and execution of a well-structured training program for staff.
- Innovation and Creativity – high level of innovation and creativity through new ideas and usage of technology.
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BEST TOUR OPERATOR |
The category recognizes the diversity and range of tour packages and itineraries offered by operators.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Reputation and Reviews – positive reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from customers.
- Sustainability and Environment – adoption and usage of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices such as water and energy conservation, usage of recyclable materials and waste reduction.
- Universal Accessibility & Safety – efforts to accommodate guests who are differently abled to promote inclusivity.
- Skills Development – evidence of and execution of a well-structured training program for staff.
- Innovation and Creativity – high level of innovation and creativity through new ideas and usage of technology.
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BEST TRAVEL AGENT |
This category recognizes travel agents who provide an outstanding and complete service experience to customers at every point, from transportation to accommodation.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Customer Satisfaction – ability to provide exceptional customer service, meet client needs, and receive positive feedback from travellers.
- Reputation and Reviews – positive reviews and testimonials from clients, as well as the agent’s reputation within the travel industry.
- Sustainability and Responsible Tourism – commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism practices, which may include eco-friendly travel options and community engagement.
- Universal Accessibility & safety – efforts to accommodate guests who are differently abled to promote inclusivity.
- Industry Involvement – active participation in industry associations, certifications, and ongoing education to stay updated with industry trends and regulations.
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BEST DESTINATION MARKETING COMPANY |
This Category recognizes a company with excellent skills in marketing, including among others, public relations, market intelligence and competitor analysis etc. The company must demonstrate an ability to build partnerships with airlines, travel agencies, local businesses, and other stakeholders to enhance destination promotion.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Effective Promotion of the Destination – the company’s ability to effectively promote a domestic destination within the country to attract tourists and travellers.
- Collaborations and Partnerships – collaborations with local businesses, tourism boards, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance the destination’s appeal in the country and support the local tourism industry.
- Sustainability and Responsible Tourism – commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the country.
- Educational and Training Programs – structured training programs that have helped local businesses and stakeholders improve their tourism-related services.
- Innovation and Creativity – high level of innovation and creativity through new ideas and usage of technology.
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BEST EVENTS VENUE |
This category recognises venues that provide high quality facilities specifically designed for business visitors e.g., meetings, recreation, conferences, and exhibitions.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Customer Service – staff friendliness, responsiveness and professionalism in handling guest inquiries and requests.
- Sustainability and Environment – adoption and usage of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices such as water and energy conservation, usage of recyclable materials and waste reduction.
- Universal Accessibility & Safety – efforts to accommodate guests who are differently abled to promote inclusivity.
- Skills Developments – evidence of and execution of a well-structured training program for staff.
- Innovation and Creativity – high level of innovation and creativity through new ideas and usage of technology.
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BEST DOMESTIC TOURISM PROMOTER |
This category recognizes an outstanding promoter who has been consistent in marketing Zambia’s tourism products.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Market Research and Insights – Utilization of market research and data-driven insights to understand domestic travel trends and preferences, and to shape effective marketing campaigns.
- Collaborations and Partnerships – collaborations with local businesses, tourism boards, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance the destination’s appeal and support the local tourism industry.
- Sustainability and Responsible Tourism – Commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices within the country.
- Customer Satisfaction – ability to provide exceptional customer service, meet client needs, and receive positive feedback from travellers.
- Reputation and Reviews – positive reputation through online reviews, testimonials, and recommendations from customers.
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BEST ECO–TOURISM INITIATIVE:
· Conservation–Environment
· Conservation–Wildlife |
This award honours initiatives that promote sustainable tourism practices and contribute to the conservation of Zambia’s natural environment and wildlife.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Environmental Education – effectiveness of educational programs and awareness campaigns that promote environmental conservation among tourists and local communities.
- Sustainable Practices – the adoption of sustainable practices, such as waste reduction, energy conservation, and responsible water usage in the initiative’s operation.
- Innovation and Creativity – innovation and creativity through new ideas and the usage of technology.
- Partnerships – partnerships with governmental agencies, conservation organizations, and local authorities for coordinated efforts in wildlife conservation.
- Conservation Impact – initiative’s direct impact on wildlife conservation, such as habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and species protection programs.
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TOURISM MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF THE YEAR |
This category recognizes the most consistent best tourism marketing campaign which demonstrated creativity and innovation in the promotion of tourism products, services and/or destinations.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Creativity & Innovation – the originality and innovation of the marketing campaign that captures the attention of potential travellers.
- Message Clarity – the marketing message was clear, concise, and compelling.
- Sustainability & Responsible Tourism – how the marketing campaign promotes responsible and sustainable tourism practices.
- Partnerships – the marketing campaign provided collaborative activities with local businesses, tourism boards, government agencies, and other stakeholders to enhance the destination’s appeal and support the local tourism industry.
- Influence & Impact – how the campaign was able to influence and shape travel trends, perceptions, or behaviours.
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TOURISM PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR |
This category recognizes a deserving individual who showed influence within the tourism industry and his/her ability to shape travel trends, perceptions or behaviours.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Expertise and Knowledge in the tourism industry and their understanding of destinations, trends, and traveller preferences
- Championing Sustainability efforts – his / her efforts in promoting sustainable tourism practices.
- Business Impact – impact of his / her influence on the tourism industry.
- Positive Representation – how he / she represented and celebrated the cultural, historical, and natural aspects of destinations.
- Influence & Impact – how their influence within the tourism industry has shaped travel trends, perceptions, or behaviours.
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BEST MEDIA PROMOTER:
· Media House
· Media personality |
This category recognizes an outstanding tourism media promoter and personality who shows consistency in marketing tourism through different mediums of communication.
The media house and personality should demonstrate the following:
- Quality of Content – the media organization’s or individual’s tourism–related content, including articles, videos, photos, and other forms of media. Factors like creativity, accuracy, and relevance will be considered.
- Innovative Approaches – whether the organization or individual employs innovative storytelling techniques, multimedia integration, or interactive elements to engage audiences in tourism–related topics.
- Impact and Influence – that the organization’s or individual’s influence within the tourism industry and its or his / her ability to have shaped perceptions, trends, or behaviour related to tourism.
- Global & Regional Reach – demonstrates the organization’s or individual’s reach and coverage of tourism destinations and experiences, both nationally and internationally.
- Sustainability and Environmental Practices – the media organization’s or individual’s commitment to sustainability and eco–friendly practices in its reporting and operations.
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BEST TOURIST ACTIVITY
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This category recognizes a tourism activity which is unique and original, compared to others in the destination or industry.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Uniqueness & Originality – that the activity offered or offers something distinctive that sets it apart.
- Educational Value – how the activity provides insights into the destination, its culture, history, or natural environment, enhancing visitors’ knowledge and appreciation.
- Sustainability – the sustainability and responsible tourism practices associated with the activity and its impact to the environment.
- Safety and Quality – ensure the activity maintains high safety standards and provides a quality experience for clients.
- Cultural Sensitivity – whether the activity respects and preserves the cultural heritage of the destination.
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BEST TOURISM SUPPORT:
- Government Institution
- NGO
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This category recognizes an outstanding government institution that has showed massive support toward the growth of tourism in Zambia.
The nominee for best Government institution should demonstrate the following:
- Policy Development – how the institution has been involved in developing and implementing tourism policies and regulations that facilitate growth and sustainability of the industry.
- Financial Support – the efforts for financial supporting for tourism growth.
- Sustainable Practices – the commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, including environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
- Collaboration with Stakeholders – the collaborations with tourism industry stakeholders, such as tour operators, hospitality providers, and local communities, to promote a cohesive and cooperative approach to tourism development.
- Human Resource Support – the role in which efforts to enhance the human resource are evident.
The nominee for best NGO institution should demonstrate the following:
- Advocacy – the organization’s advocacy efforts in promoting policies and practices that benefit the tourism sector, including sustainability, responsible tourism, and industry growth.
- Collaboration & Partnerships – the extent to which the organization collaborated with various stakeholders in the tourism industry, such as businesses, government agencies, and local communities.
- Education and Research – the organization’s contributions to tourism education and research, including scholarships, seminars, and publications.
- Sustainability and Responsible Tourism – the organization’s commitment to promoting sustainable and responsible tourism practices, including environmental conservation and cultural preservation.
- Inclusivity and Diversity – initiatives that promote inclusivity and diversity within the tourism industry, encouraging the participation of underrepresented groups.
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BEST EMERGING OPERATOR |
This category recognizes an emerging tour operator (SME) with less than 7 years of business operation and is a Citizen of Zambia.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Customer Satisfaction – efforts in customer feedback, reviews, and testimonials to gauge the level of satisfaction and positive experiences.
- Sustainability – efforts that show commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism practices, including environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
- Partnerships – existence of collaborations with other industry stakeholders, such as hotels, airlines, or local businesses, to enhance the overall travel experience.
- Innovative Technology – the use of technology, such as booking platforms, mobile apps, or virtual reality, to enhance the travel experience.
- Long-term Vision – their long-term vision for growth and development within the tourism industry.
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BEST TOURISM TRANSPORTATION |
Recognizes road or air transport providers that excel in providing safe, efficient, and enjoyable travel experiences for tourists.
The nominee should demonstrate the following:
- Safety Record – a safety record and commitment to passenger safety, including compliance with relevant regulation.
- Customer Satisfaction – efforts in customer feedback, reviews, and testimonials to gauge the level of satisfaction and positive experiences.
- Innovation – innovative features or technologies that enhance the travel experience, such as Wi–Fi, entertainment systems, or eco–friendly initiatives.
- Environmental Responsibility – efforts to reduce their environmental footprint, including fuel efficiency and emissions reduction.
- Innovative Booking and Ticketing – the use of technology for booking, ticketing, and reservations, making the process convenient for travelers.
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