Jurni, a first-of-its-kind Travel and Tourism Data Management Company, is pleased to announce the winner of its Jurni Gems social media campaign.
Dr. Nomvuselelo Songelwa, Jurni Chief Executive Officer, says: “Today, on World Tourism Day, we are excited to announce that Micro-Adventure Tours in Johannesburg is the ultimate Jurni Gem winner for 2019 with over one thousand votes from travellers around South Africa and the world.”
Founder of Micro-Adventure Tours Kennedy Tembo is said to be ‘the ambassador of adventure in Joburg.’ He founded the company in 2017 to inspire people to live life without limits, to help them discover the ‘gems’ around Johannesburg and to offer them the best unforgettable experiences in a cost-effective way.
Kennedy’s tours include cycle rides through Joburg and around the scenic Cradle of Humankind as well as trips to tackle adventurous hiking routes in the Drakensberg mountains. Kennedy has so much passion and energy; he makes everyone on his tours fall in love with Joburg.
“Being nominated came as a complete surprise to us,” comments an elated Kennedy on his victory. “Thinking someone would nominate us for this prestigious and first Jurni Award is a very humbling experience and we feel honoured to have won. We would like to thank those who secretly nominated us as well as those who were dedicated to voting for us. We couldn’t have been where we are now without their support. It’s encouraging that we are doing something right in the industry and in the space that we so love! We love our city Jozi and we love our country which has a lot to offer to both local and the international market.”
A close runner-up is Ntwanano Tours & Travel. This Mpumalanga-based company is owned by Sertorio and Marlene with their daughter Khensani. Ntwanano Tours & Travel connects its guests with the beauty and power of Africa through story-telling.
“These two Jurni gems embody what South Africa’s tourism industry is about: passionate people connecting their region and culture with travellers from across the world,” says Dr. Songelwa. “We felt it fitting to announce the winners on World Tourism Day, as the theme this year is ‘Tourism and Jobs: a better future for all’. Our South African SMEs show that local South Africans can focus on their passion and maximise the potential of tourism.”
“Our platforms, including a new SME booking tool and a new Visitor App & Information Portal, will put Jurni Gems like Micro-Adventure Tours and Ntwanano Tours & Travel on the tourism map. These solutions will make it easier for travellers around the world to connect with our proudly South African hidden tourism gems,” Dr. Songelwa concludes.
