Pretoria University tourism students awarded

THE University of Pretoria awarded its top students for 2005 at a gala awards ceremony last week. Awards valued at about R100 000 were made in various categories, each sponsored by leading companies in the Southern Africa Travel and Tourism Industry. Top first year award went to Elizabeth Lubbe; Elzaan Pienaar won the top second year award; and the top final year award went to Michelle du Plessis. The top student in hospitality studies, financial management, strategic destination marketing, distribution management and attractions and events management award was Colette Fourie. Elne Uys and Fanie Mintjes shared the top student in strategic tourism management, while the award for top eco-tourism student went to Neil Goss. In his welcome address, Professor Ernie Heath, head of the department of tourism management, paid tribute to the tourism industry for its excellent support and commitment to advancing tourism education. “Our tourism industry stakeholders are truly great partners. The prizes that have been provided this evening reflect their commitment, but this is not where it ends. Industry leaders unselfishly share their knowledge with our students throughout the year,” said Heath. (Natalia Thomson)