Pretoria News marketing officer Paul Hopane handing over the 2025 Tourist Attraction of the Year trophy to Nadia Terblanche from Bill Harrop’s “Original” Balloon Safaris. The Tshwane Tourism Awards night was held at the Batter Boys Village in Pretoria.
Image: Timothy Bernard
Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris has made it into the finalists’ list for this year’s Tshwane Tourism Awards which will be held in August.
The list of finalists represents “every corner of Tshwane's tourism ecosystem” and includes other iconic tourism brands and attractions such as Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate, CSIR International Convention Centre, Menlyn Boutique Hotel, Kwalata Game Lodge, Mangwanani Spa, Dinokeng Game Reserve, the Pretoria National Botanical Garden, the Voortrekker Monument, JAVETT-UP, Ulysses Tours & Safaris, La Luonde Tours and many more.
The Tshwane Tourism Association (TTA) made the announcement last week.
TTA Chairperson Susan Marais said: "We are incredibly excited by the quality of entries received this year."
This year the association is celebrating its 25th anniversary under the theme “25 Years of Welcoming the World to the Capital” and the awards provide an opportunity to recognise not only outstanding businesses, but also the people behind them who create memorable visitor experiences every day, the association stated.
Responding to the news, Bill Harrop's Original Balloon Safaris posted on its website a statement saying “we are honoured to stand among the finalists once again”.
“This nomination reflects our ongoing commitment to tourism excellence. It also recognises the dedication of our entire team. From our pilots and ground crew to our reservations consultants and hospitality staff, every team member helps create memorable experiences for our guests.”
The company has since 1981 been welcoming thousands of local and international visitors and providing them unique experiences. It said its sunrise balloon flights were their guests’ favourite activity as it provided them with a unique perspective of South Africa’s natural beauty.
“Over the past four and a half decades, we have grown into one of South Africa’s most recognised tourism experiences. However, our core values have remained unchanged,” the balloon company said.
The finalists for the 2026 Tshwane Tourism Awards have been selected and the countdown to the event has begun in earnest. In the picture are some of those who attended last year's glittering awards night held at the Batter Boys Village in Pretoria.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
Winners will be announced at the Tshwane Tourism Awards Gala Evening on Saturday, 22 August 2026.
The event promises an unforgettable evening of celebration, networking and inspiration, including a red-carpet arrival and a delicious three-course dinner.
The gala evening is open to the public and anyone with a passion for Tshwane, tourism and hospitality is invited to attend.
https://www.q2b.co.za/OnlineTickets/Index/1450?singleEvent=4641
Looking Back While Looking Forward
Last year's Awards welcomed more than 350 tourism professionals, business leaders and stakeholders and delivered one of the industry's most memorable evenings of the year.
The finalists for the 2026 Tshwane Tourism Awards have been selected and the countdown to the event has begun in earnest. In the picture are some of those who attended last year's glittering awards night held at the Batter Boys Village in Pretoria.
Image: Timothy Bernard/Independent Media
Conference & Events Venue of the Year
Education & Training Provider of the Year
Guesthouse of the Year
Hotel of the Year
Lodge of the Year
Township Tourism Experience of the Year
Restaurant of the Year
Spa & Wellness Provider of the Year
Supplier to Industry of the Year
Tour Operator of the Year
Tourist Attraction of the Year
Chef of the Year
Tourist Guide of the Year