THOHOYANDOU - After he was announced as the Limpopo Tourism Entrepreneur of the year 2002, the Thohoyandou based entrepreneur, Berry Banga Ramunenyiwa of Vevisa Lodge, will represent the province in London next month during the finals of the national Tourism Entrepreneur of the year award.

Ramunenyiwa was chosen from three semi-finalists from the province during the function, which took place under the auspices of the World Tourism Organisation (WTO). Ramunenyiwa, together with the other finalists were invited to attend the tourism month celebration held in the North West Province.

The other semi-finalists were Sanctus Mhangani of Mhangy's Rock Resort in Giyani and Beth Mashawana of Great North Cultural Tours in Thohoyandou.

South African Tourism, in collaboration with provincial tourism authorities and industry members honoured the three tourism entrepreneurs from every province for their role in helping to position South Africa as a tourist destination and for offering good service to tourists visiting their areas.

Mr Edgar Mushwana, Chief Executive Officer of the Limpopo Tourism and Parks Board said Ramunenyiwa has presented himself and his business well and that this has benefited tourism in Limpopo, with its ever-growing popularity amongst tourists. "The Board would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our provincial winner and wish him the best of luck in his new role as ambassador of our province. We view this as a stepping stone to many exciting opportunities and challenges," he said.

He added that the Tourism Board is actively involved in identifying and developing tourism entrepreneurs in the province, "and it is through achievers like Vevisa Lodge that we are now realising all our good efforts," he said.

The National Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Mohammed Valli Moosa initiated the Tourism Entrepreneur of the Year Award (ETEYA) programme in 2001. It is open to emerging entrepreneurs managing tourism or hospitality related businesses and restricted to those that have been operating for less than three years and that employ less than 50 people, with an annual turnover not exceeding R 3 million.

As part of the award programme, the nine provincial entrepreneurs will be featured on the South African Tourism stand at the World Travel Market (WTM), where an overall winner will be announced. The WTM will take place in London from 11 – 13 November 2002.

The overall winner of the ETEYA award 2002 will be chosen from the nine provincial finalists and will receive a commemorative plaque and a grand prize of R 30 000 to invest in his or her business.

Vevisa Lodge is a luxury Bed & Breakfast situated in Thohoyandou. Berry and Sandra Ramunenyiwa manage this family business. The Lodge started its operations in January 2002 and has 11 en-suite bedrooms, which can accommodate three people at a time. The establishment has secure parking and a restaurant.