Award-winning places in Cape Town
Award-winning places in Cape Town
The city of Cape Town has itself won not only the hearts and minds of the world, but also many awards in itself.
Whether it’s The Telegraph Travel Awards’ Favourite City for 2013 or The New York Times’ number one spot in its 52 Places to go in 2014 list, Cape Town is firmly in the world’s eye as a place of beauty, vibrancy and wonder. Yet, within the city and surrounding areas itself, there are many places worth considering – and certainly many that ended up worthy of awards, too.
Cape Town International Airport
The airport has been consistently rated as the best in Africa for some time. It won the Best Airport in Africa and the Best Airport in Africa for Staff Service Excellence at the SKYTRAX World Airport Awards, repeating this win from the previous two years. Further, the airport won two Airport Council International (ACI) Airport Service Quality (ASQ) global awards for Best Airport in Africa and Best Improved (in Africa).
Local residents are renowned for being constantly confused by the new airport, due to consistent and sharp redesign – but primarily, most have found it useful, important, and efficient.
The Cape Town International Convention Centre
The expansive and gorgeous CTICC is one of the landmarks of Cape Town. It also has the honour of being the winner of the prestigious Imvelo Award for Responsible Tourism.
This award, given by The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) is in association with the National Department of Tourism. Running for twelve years, the award recognises tourism businesses that have demonstrated “world class sustained responsible practices into their operations”, says the CTICC website.
The Centre won it due to its continued and massive efforts to remain sustainable, working on every day protocols that are focused on environmental sustainability.
Overall, whether you’re considering travelling or spending the day, getting products duty free online or picking them later, the CTIA is renowned for its efficiency to handle all of these areas.
The V&A Waterfront
Situated almost on the ocean, the beautiful Victoria and Alfred Waterfront is a world-class shopping mall. It is a leading tourist destination, but is also the winner of an environmental award and is contending with its projects, with the World Design Capitol 2014 (being held in Cape Town).
The mall was the first of its kind in the entire continent to be independently audited and certified for environmental compliance. This was announced by the Heritage Environmental Management Company. The area recycles around 40% of its waste or 120 tons a month. This translates into savings of over R876 000 per year. The Waterfront has recycled more than 4000 tons of waste since it started recycling in October 2009.
In terms of design ideas, they are interested in showcasing several across their areas and spaces.
Image credit: Wikimedia