GEORGE NEWS - George Backpackers is the national winner of the Sanlam Top Destination 2017 Backpackers ungraded category. 

What makes this award extra special for owner Nellie Reimann, is that George Backpackers has managed this incredible achievement in just one year. 

The establishment only opened its doors in November last year.

This national award is decided by votes from the public.

Reimann is married to Martin Reimann of Step-Aside George Conference Centre, who, just last year, scooped the Sanlam Top Destination Awards title in the Self-Catering category with a Two Star grading.

Martin is incredibly proud of his wife and attributes her success to her long background in the hospitality industry and her "intuitive feeling for her guests' needs".

Nellie has completed various courses through the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, including internet marketing at the University of Cape Town.

Just 28 Sanlam Top Destination winners countrywide and one, Nellie Reimann (front, centre in red) is from George.

The George Backpackers slogan is "Straight forward clean and affordable accommodation in the centre of town" and Nellie says this "easy concept" is part of her success.

There were over 9 000 nominations in the different categories; 28 winners - one from George!

ARTICLE: ILSE SCHOONRAAD, GEORGE HERALD EDITOR-AT-LARGE

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