Discoverctwc

02/09/2024

Wesgro launches a new suite of digital resources called "Playbooks" on September 2, just in time for Tourism Month. Available on the Wesgro website, these Playbooks feature itineraries, maps, images, videos, and blogs, highlighting iconic visitor experiences in Cape Town and the Western Cape. They are designed to enhance the marketing of the region as a top travel destination.

These free resources can be used by the tourism industry to promote the region’s diverse attractions to local and international audiences. Developed to address post-pandemic challenges, the Playbooks provide easily accessible, packaged information, making them valuable for the rapidly evolving industry, especially for new operators. They aim to close the knowledge gap and highlight the region’s unique experiences. Tourism is a key economic driver for Cape Town and the Western Cape, contributing around 10% to the region's GDP.

For more information, visit our website: https://t.ly/MHcb6

26/08/2024

🏆 World Cruise Awards 2024

The Cape Town Cruise Terminal has been nominated as Africa’s Best Cruise Terminal for the third year running.

Offering a world-class service, the terminal had a record 67 ship calls for the 2023/24 season. Help us keep our top spot on the continent for a fourth consecutive year, and cast your vote in favour of Cape Town Cruise Terminal below before 6 October:

🛳️ Vote for Cape Town Cruise Terminal as the Best Cruise Terminal in Africa for 2024:
https://worldcruiseawards.com/award/africa-best-cruise-terminal/2024

🛳️ Vote for South Africa as Cruise Destination of the Year for Africa:
https://worldcruiseawards.com/award/africa-best-cruise-destination/2024

02/08/2024

Team Wesgro is thrilled to celebrate Grootbos Florilegium for being nominated by TIME Magazine as one of the Top 100 World's Greatest Places to Visit!

This incredible recognition reflects the breathtaking beauty and unique experiences that the Western Cape's Cape Floral Kingdom (a UNESCO World Heritage site) offers. From stunning landscapes to rich biodiversity, it’s a true gem that showcases the best of what nature has to offer.
Join us in congratulating Grootbos' Florilegium for this well-deserved honour! Let’s spread the word and inspire more people to explore this magnificent destination.



🎥 Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

24/07/2024

🍷Wine Town Stellenbosch is back! From 29 July to 4 August, immerse yourself in South Africa’s pinnacle celebration of wine. Experience the best of the Cape Winelands, with events hosted on farms and in historic Stellenbosch, culminating in the spectacular Stellenbosch Wine Festival on the 2nd and 3rd of August.🍇

Savour over 200 wines from 60 top producers alongside an abundant harvest table and divine bites. Enjoy specialised tours, a Cabernet conference, regional tastings, special menus by top restaurants, and fine-grain tastings of Stellenbosch’s best varieties.

For more information, visit [winetown.co.za](http://winetown.co.za). Book tickets at [Plankton.mobi](http://Plankton.mobi) and check out accommodation and flight deals at [StayAndPlay.visitstellenbosch.org](http://StayAndPlay.visitstellenbosch.org).

Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration!

15/07/2024

ICYMI | Submit your entries for the 2025 Best of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards.

🗓️ Entries close 25 July 2024


Great Wine Capitals Global Network Wines of South Africa

📢 Attention all wine producers and wineries across the Western Cape

Entries for the 2025 Best Of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Awards are now open.

Position your destination as a world-class wine tourism leader, and apply via www.bestofwinetourism.co.za.

For more information ➡️ https://bit.ly/45zl0Ux



Discoverctwc Western Cape Government City of Cape Town Great Wine Capitals Global Network Wines of South Africa

04/07/2024

In order to remain competitive, it is imperative for destinations to showcase their sustainable tourism practices. This was a key insight gained at Experience Africa 2024, hosted in London this past week.

The event saw its largest number of buyers and exhibitors since its inception in 2018, with 266 buyers from 20 countries present for the duration of the programme.

South Africa remains firmly on the UK travel bucket list; however, it was noted that the rising cost of flights for the upcoming peak season risks less family and multi-generational travel.

Wesgro is confident that the UK will remain a top source market for Cape Town and the Western Cape, with new low-cost airline, Norse Airways, commencing in October.

UK visitors hold the promise of longer stays, with UK travel agents reporting a rise in bookings of up to as long as three weeks – versus the traditional 14 days - as travellers continue to capitalise on the freedom of remote work.

Bringing together African countries and stakeholders to showcase the diverse cultures, tourism opportunities, and business potential of the continent, the event shone a spotlight on Africa as a premier travel destination, encouraging travellers to explore the continent beyond the stereotypes.



Wesgro ATTA - African Travel & Tourism Association

02/07/2024

With the objective of promoting and positioning Cape Town and the Western Cape as a premier tourism destination for leisure and business travellers within the domestic and regional markets, Wesgro’s Tourism Team participated in the Africa Showcase South Africa Roadshow from 10 – 13 June.

The roadshow was a week-long series of trade events held in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town, where the team engaged in one-on-one engagements with 140 travel buyers, which consisted of travel agents, tour operators, travel consultants and professional conference organisers.

On Show Solutions, the roadshow organisers stated: “South Africa represents a largely untapped yet lucrative source market. Regional and domestic travel are pivotal for sustaining tourism businesses, and there is a growing interest among South African travellers to explore more of South Africa, mainland Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.

The impressive line-up of exhibitors showcased experiences and offers in 15 African countries including: Botswana, Egypt, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.”

01/07/2024

Wesgro has wrapped up a week on the road with SA Tourism and private tourism operators, travelling through Ireland and the UK to promote Cape town and the Western Cape.

Starting in Cork, continuing onto Edinburgh, Newcastle, and wrapping up in Reading the week provided promising meetings with over 200 agents - all passionate about selling South Africa as a top travel destination.

What makes South Africa stand out? From our direct flights to the UK to favourable exchange rates providing affordable bucket list experiences - Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world class tourism destination which has something for everyone to experience, explore and enjoy.

We believe the roadshow efforts will see us welcoming old friends along with new visitors from Ireland and the UK.

28/06/2024

| Regional Tourism Office Forum

Western Cape regional and local tourism offices gathered at the quarterly RTO Forum, under the theme "Travel Tech: Empowering our regions to maximise their destination marketing impact".

Set in Stellenbosch, the forum provided a platform for collaboration, with key stakeholders, such as DEDAT, FEDHASA, Cape Nature, and Robben Island. The program shared insights on and how the regions can maximise their destination marketing to drive growth, enhance traveler experiences, and streamline operations.

By enabling the tourism ecosystem, Wesgro continues to promote Cape Town and the Western Cape as a world class destination.

25/06/2024

🎄 | Christmas in July

Enjoy the winter festivities at the Tulbagh held from 28 - 30 June 2024.
The Farmers Electric Parade will start the festivities this Friday. Warm up in the winter wonderland enjoy the food and music under the festive lights, and visit the decorated town stalls.

For more information, call Tulbagh Tourism: 023 2301348

Tulbagh Wine and Tourism

12/06/2024

🦪 Knysna Oyster Festival 2024

Themed “A shucking good time!“, the famous Garden Route festival returns from 21-30 June, promising fresh seafood, sports, and cultural festivities.

With the initiating the excitement, the festival provides the prefect opportunity to enjoy the region: from live music and cooking contests, to wine tastings and arts markets, there’s something for everyone.

Read more here ➡️ https://www.knysnaoysterfestival.co.za/

02/05/2024

The 21st edition of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) will take place on Friday 3rd May and Saturday 4th May. Four stages will host a fabulous line-up of local and international artists with vast musical offerings across all the jazz and jazz-related genres, at what is also known as Africa’s Grandest Gathering.

Artists appearing this year include, Tunde of Lighthouse Family, Judith Sephuma, Mi Casa, Mörda, Zoë Modiga, Thandi Ntuli, Radio Sechaba, The Yussef Dayes Experience, Matt Bianco, KokoRoko, Moonchild, MonoNeon and many more.

Also diarise the FREE concert happening in Greenmarket Square on Thursday 2nd May from 16H00.

To purchase a ticket here : http://rb.gy/kx8yrc

15/03/2024

Join us on Saturday 16 March for the Weird, Wacky and Wonderful – LEKKER Carnival on the Green Point Fan Walk!

Each float and performance in this year’s Cape Town Carnival is a window into a world where ‘Lekker’ is the law of the land. Imagine a realm where the everyday and the extraordinary blend seamlessly – a technicolour savannah, a deep sea brimming with mythical creatures, a whimsical world made entirely of sweets and treats…

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS:
Carnival Villages Open: 3pm
Opening and Pre-Parade: 6pm
Main Parade: 7pm

FREE ENTRY:
Immerse yourself in the magic! Enjoy the parade for FREE along the route. Family friendly!

PAID TICKET OPTIONS:
Red Bus Stationary Tickets
Seated Stands
VIP

The Cape Town Carnival is a FREE event, however, should you wish to purchase a seat on one of their limited stand options, please refer to website:
www.capetowncarnival.com
Cape Town Carnival City of Cape Town Wesgro

08/03/2024

The Cape Town Cycle Tour enters its 46th year in 2024 as one of the city’s premier sporting and social events. Traditionally the race attracts 30 000 riders to the region annually, as well as many friends and family in support.

The successful annual staging of the Cycle Tour enables the Cape Town Cycle Tour Trust to source funds for its two beneficiaries, the Pedal Power Association and Rotary Club of Claremont, which apply the surplus proceeds for social upliftment projects and the development and promotion of cycling and safe cycling initiatives.

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic mass-start bike races in the world, the classic 109km route circles the greater peninsula, starting in the shadow of Table Mountain, passing the pristine beaches, cooling forests and verdant vineyards for which the city is famous, before finishing along the Atlantic Seaboard’s shimmering ocean in Green Point. Since 2023, the complementary 42km route has given a wider range of riders the opportunity to be part of Africa’s biggest cycling party. The 2024 Cape Town Cycle Tour will be held on Sunday, 10 March 2024. For more information visit www.capetowncycletour.com

Cape Town Cycle Tour

01/03/2024

Beyond exquisite wines and luxurious experiences, the Cape Winelands reveals a hidden tapestry of rugged beauty and genuine charm!
Explore awe-inspiring mountain passes, warmth, charm, and a rich tapestry of experiences just waiting to be discovered. Are you ready to get out there and explore?

Looking for inspiration? Watch this
https://shorturl.at/ovFN1

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Wines of South Africa Great Wine Capitals Global Network South Africa Wine

The Cape Winelands has always been intrinsically tied to the vine, famous for its world class vintages, globally renowned for its tastings and pairings. The ...

22/02/2024

The 2024 Great Wine Capitals’ Best of Wine Tourism Awards and Wine Tourism Ambassador Award winners are testament to the excellence in wine tourism across the Western Cape! From art and culture to sustainable wine tourism, these awards celebrate innovation and excellence.
Ready to uncover the gems? Explore the 2024 Best of Wine Tourism and Wine Tourism Ambassador Award winners, and create your own unforgettable journey through the Western Cape's outstanding wine destinations!
Find out more: https://t.ly/TNxRX

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Wines of South Africa Great Wine Capitals Global Network South Africa Wine

16/02/2024

Meet the trailblazer, South Africa's youngest female winemaker! At just 26 years old, she took the helm as the sole winemaker at Brookdale Estate in Paarl in the Cape Winelands in 2019, making her the youngest head female winemaker in the country. Kiara's passion and talent are reshaping the South African wine landscape, bringing innovation and a fresh perspective to the industry. Let's raise a glass to Kiara's achievements and the bright future she's crafting for South African wines!

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Find out more here: https://t.ly/HQSLi

Wines of South Africa South Africa Wine Great Wine Capitals Global Network Brookdale Estate

14/02/2024

The Africa Showcase Southern Europe, hosted by On Show Solutions, took place from 04 - 09 February 2024. The roadshow provided a great opportunity for Wesgro and other exhibitors to engage with travel specialists and travel designers in Rome, Madrid, and Lyon. Italy, Spain and France are key markets for Cape Town & the Western Cape, and constant engagement with the trade to teach, promote and update on the existing and new offerings is key for Wesgro’s Leisure Tourism unit. With an increased focus on wide-open spaces, luxury, and adventure, it's evident that our six regions are perfectly positioned to attract travellers seeking unique experiences. Cape Town and the Western Cape's offerings of diverse natural attractions, including its food, wine, culture, and adventure experiences, are perfect for the Southern European traveler!

12/02/2024

Embark on a journey through the enchanting wine routes of Cape Town and the Western Cape🍷

Explore world-class wine estates, savour exquisite cuisine, and experience unique food and wine pairings that will tantalise your taste buds. But the adventure doesn't stop there - discover a world of excitement along these routes, from thrilling adventure activities to captivating art galleries.

Let's celebrate the diversity and richness of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s wine culture!

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Cheers to a month filled with wine, culinary delights, and unforgettable experiences!
South Africa Wine Wines of South Africa Great Wine Capitals Global Network

01/02/2024

🍷Join the celebration of South Africa's rich wine history! On the 2nd of February 1659, the country's wine journey began, and we're toasting to 365 years of excellence!

Explore the unique and stunning wine routes in Cape Town and the Western Cape. Share your favourite wine tourism experiences using , , , and .

Let's raise a glass to our award-winning South African wines!
Wines of South Africa South Africa Wine Great Wine Capitals Global Network

25/01/2024

ICYMI |🌍Exciting news! The Mother Africa - Welcome Home Exhibition has been launched at De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Cape Overberg. 🎉The exhibition delves into the origins of Early Southern Sapiens behaviour, featuring the research of Prof Christopher Henshilwood. Premier Alan Winde inaugurated the event, and it's curated by the talented Craig Foster and archaeologist Petro Keene. 🏦De Hoop and CapeNature offer visitors a unique opportunity to explore and discover the rich culture that shaped us.🌿

Wesgro CapeNature Western Cape Government

15/01/2024

Vakantiebeurs and SAT North Europe Roadshow Wesgro's Tourism Team has officially kicked off the year by participating at the Vakantiebeurs travel show in Utrecht, Netherlands, which is taking place from 10 - 14 January. Vakantiebeurs is the leading travel event of the Netherlands, where the world’s destinations meet under roof and visitors come to the event to gain inspiration, discover new destinations, and obtain substantive information to book their next holiday.

Wesgro joined South African Tourism on the South Africa stand, along with other local products, with the objective of showcasing the Western Cape’s abundant and world-class tourism offerings to Dutch consumers and trade. In addition to attending Vakantiebeurs, this year SAT will also host a North Europe roadshow from 15 – 23 January 2024, with trade workshops in the Netherlands and Belgium. Wesgro will join other South African products and destinations to engage with Dutch and Belgian buyers and promote the country to these key markets.

27/11/2023

Under the theme "Proactive Destination Safety Readiness for the Upcoming Season," the quarterly RTO Forum in the Western Cape brought together regional and local tourism offices in the vibrant setting of the Mother City. This knowledge-sharing forum provides a crucial platform for the collaborative efforts of key stakeholders, and ensures that linkages between efforts of all entities within the tourism eco-system are maintained.

Kicking off the programme, Lisa-Ann Hosking, Chief Destination Management Officer at Cape Town Tourism, gave an engaging presentation on tourism safety initiatives within the city, resulting in a robust discussion. Thereafter, Birdlife SA, a recipient of the G4J Tourism Challenge Fund, presented on their plan to roll out the avitourism project together with the Garden Route and Klein Karoo. This form of tourism has good growth potential and ensures that we protect our natural assets and resources, and focus on the destination’s sustainable tourism offerings.

Participants enjoyed an excursion on the Cape Wheel, treating them to panoramic views of Table Mountain, Robben Island, the Cape Town City skyline, the Paarl Mountains, and the Cape Town Stadium. CitySightseeing treated the delegates to a two-and-a-half-hour Mini Peninsula tour aboard a City Sightseeing topless bus - a must-do when visiting Cape Town!

Wesgro remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive destination safety readiness in Cape Town and the wider Western Cape region, and we wish all our tourism partners a safe and successful festive Wesgro remains steadfast in its commitment to proactive destination safety readiness in Cape Town and the wider Western Cape region, and we wish all our tourism partners a safe and successful festive season.

22/11/2023

14/11/2023

Craving the taste of summer holidays?

Join Fryers Cove Winery for a laid back, Weskus “kuier” on the Jetty this weekend. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Dooringbaai coast at this sea-side feast. Taste some abalone and crayfish, as well as other Weskus delicacies, whilst sipping on fresh Sauvignon Blanc.

Namaqua West Coast

09/11/2023

The adventure continues!

In addition to the 2024 Best of Wine Tourism Awards, chosen through a judging process, the public can now vote in the "People's Choice Awards" Vote for their favourite Cape Town and Cape Winelands regional winner in each of the 7 categories. The estate with the most votes in each category will win a People's Choice Award for that category. Voting closes 13 November 2023.

To vote click here : https://www.greatwinecapitals.com/best-of-wine-tourism/peoples-choice-award/

The winners in the Best Of Wine Tourism Awards for 2024 are:
* Accommodation - Winner: Brookdale Estate
* Wine Tourism Restaurants - Winner: Jordan Wines
* Wine Tourism Services - Winner: Creation Wines
* Sustainable Wine Tourism Practices - Winner: Vergelegen Wine Estate
* Architecture & Landscape - Winner: Ernie Els Wines
* Art & Culture - Winner: Creation Wines
* Innovative Wine Tourism Experiences - Winner: Benguela Cove

Vote to stand a chance to win two tickets on the Franschhoek Wine Tram including lunch (T&C’s apply)

03/11/2023

Looking for an exciting weekend filled with sports and entertainment? Look no further than the Winelands 10s!

The multi-sport festival goes beyond the ordinary, with netball, dodgeball, rugby, and trail runs, all enhanced by electrifying live entertainment. It's a celebration of sportsmanship and camaraderie, uniting players and spectators alike.

🗓️: 3-4 November 2023
📍: Boland Landbouskool, Paarl

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/10sSeries

03/11/2023

Wesgro will once again be attending World Travel Market London!

Visit us at stand number S8-220 (South African Tourism), and allow us to share with you our knowledge of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a preferred tourist destination.
Let's create unforgettable experiences together!

02/11/2023

Wesgro's Tourism team attended the International Golf Travel Market (IGTM) from 16 to 19 October 2023, in recognition of the strategic importance of fostering relationships in order to promote the unique golf offerings of Cape Town and the Western Cape. The 2023 IGTM in Lisbon, Portugal, served as an invaluable platform for the team to engage with a community of global golf travel professionals, thereby amplifying the region's visibility and appeal within the global golf tourism landscape.

Understanding the preferences of golf enthusiasts, as highlighted by Sporting Insights, is paramount. The emphasis is on quality golf courses, value for money, favourable climatic conditions, premium accommodations, and seamless travel experiences. With the top markets for golf holidays in Cape Town and the Western Cape identified as the UK, France, Germany, Sweden, and North America, the region is strategically positioned to cater to the discerning preferences of these key demographics, capitalising on our natural beauty and first-class golfing infrastructure.

The region's unique blend of stunning landscapes, exquisite golf courses, and world-class hospitality undoubtedly positions it as an attractive destination for golf fanatics seeking memorable and enriching experiences.



Western Cape Government International Golf Travel Market South African Tourism

31/10/2023

The collaboration between Wesgro and Gourmet Guide culminated in the Purpose & Passion Award at the 2024 Gourmet Guide launch and Haute Performance awards. The event took place at Beyond Buitenverwachting and recognises and celebrates entities that go beyond mere culinary excellence. The award's criteria, focusing on community impact, involvement, upliftment, and sustainability strategy, underscores the significance of businesses that not only excel in their field but also actively contribute to the betterment of their communities, surroundings, and the industry at large.

The Test Kitchen Fledgelings, helmed by the combined expertise of Luke Dale Roberts and the skilled head chef Nathan Clarke, rightfully earned this esteemed award this year. This institution serves as a nurturing ground where aspiring culinary talents are honed into future luminaries of the gastronomic world. The accolade highlights their outstanding dedication to excellence, mentorship, and the cultivation of a passionate team, demonstrating the profound impact they have on the culinary landscape.




Wesgro Western Cape Government City of Cape Town The Test Kitchen: Luke Dale Robert Chef Department of Tourism Buitenverwachting