First Group’s multiple-award winning resorts were recognised with 23 awards at the industry’s esteemed RCI 29th Annual OSCAS, held on the 16th of March at Sun City.
The highest tribute of the OSCAS, Resort of the Year, went to two First Group properties – namely La Cote d’Azur who won the Top Gold Crown-Medium award and Perna Perna St Lucia for the Top Silver Crown title.
Stuart Lamont, First Group Chairman, said, “This is an honoured platform to celebrate our achievements of the past year because they are based on the feedback of our guests, which reinforces the fact that our resorts are South Africa’s premier destinations. Our proud performance shows that sustained investment and consistently providing great hospitality is the formula for success, and I would like to thank RCI and our valued members for recognising our commitment to delivering quality vacation products”.
First Group continued to shine across all the award categories sweeping up a notable 23 awards and 5 nominations when a total of 10 resorts and 13 employees were acknowledged.
In recognition for housekeeping and maintenance, Perna Perna St Lucia scooped the Top Housekeeping award. Star of the night, La Cote d’Azur, took the Top Unit Maintenance title and was further nominated for Top Resort Maintenance as well.
Kowie River Chalets and Riviera Suites earned prestigious upgrades from Silver to the highest-grading status of Gold Crown resort destination for their consistent delivery of quality.
Hole In The Wall earned RCI’s 2017 Sustainability title for their active engagement in sustainable practices, and the newly refurbished Magalies Park accepted the Investment in Hospitality award in recognition of their consistently high check-in and check-out ratings.
First Group’s commitment to staff training and development was showcased when the coveted General Manager of the Year title was bestowed upon Jon Kilroe-Smith at Club Mykonos. This was followed by a further 11 Employee of the Year awards in recognition of remarkable commitment to customer service, highlighting once again that First Group is at the top of their game.
Pictured in the photo are: The team from La Cote d’Azur
Front from left to right: Winnie Mpisana (Head Receptionist), Sammi-Jo de Graaff (Front Office Manager), Patience Zondi (Guest Relations Manager), Kareem Quadi (Entertainment Manager)
2nd row: Johan Mey (Regional Manager), Retha (Credit Controller), Petra Meyer (General Manager), Dianne (Deputy GM & Reservations Manager)
Back row: Eric Chetty (Maintenance Manager), Cecil McKenzie (Housekeeping Manager)
