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13 June 2024 Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism exhibited at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2024

13 June 2024

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism recently exhibited at the iconic African leisure trade show known as the Africa Travel Indaba 2024, which took place from 13 to 16 May 2024 at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province.

“This year, we have secured a prominent space on the Cape Town and Western Cape Platform, hosted by our provincial partners, Wesgro. By joining hands with all the regional tourism offices in the Western Cape and two of our Local Tourism Offices – Plett and Visit Knysna Tourism, we sent a strong unified message to tourism and travel markets domestically and internationally,” said Richard Dyantyi, Manager of Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) District Economic Development and Tourism.

As a result of exhibiting on the Western Cape platform, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo region was able to engage directly with tour operators, travel agents, and travel media, bringing in more tourists to the region.  The GRDM responsible for tourism marketing and development, coordinates efforts from its regional tourism office under the brand name Garden Route and Klein Karoo. This office collaborates closely with local tourism bureaus as well as provincial, national, and international tourism organisations to promote the region.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is renowned as one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and ranks among the top three ‘must-visit’ events of its kind globally. Showcasing the best of Africa’s tourism products, the event draws international buyers and media from around the world. It is owned by South African Tourism and organised by Synergy Business Events (Pty) Ltd.

This major event brings together a diverse range of Southern African tourism products and services for the international travel trade. Exhibitors include provincial authorities, accommodation providers, tour operators, game lodges, transport companies, online travel agencies, luxury product vendors, media publications, and industry associations. Outdoor exhibitors feature transport services, camping, and safari companies.

During this four-day event, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team utilised online diaries and set meetings to engage meaningfully with tour operators, travel agents, travel media, and destination marketing companies. Interests spanned a variety of areas, including cuisine, scenic drives, media publications and advertorials, standard and luxury packages, caravan and camping, glamping, museums, the 50+ historical market, familiarisation trips, and general inquiries. Besides scheduled meetings, the tourism office welcomed numerous walk-ins, highlighting the growing interest in reconnecting with tourism destinations. Visitors sought to understand the current tourism landscape, inquire about operational activities and attractions, explore new experiences, and introduce the region to markets such as the United States of America, Australia, Israel, Brazil, Thailand, Vietnam, Canada, and Mauritius.

According to Dyantyi, this marketing initiative aligns directly with the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy. It provides a platform for all participants to attend tourism marketing promotional stands under national, provincial regional and local tourism brands, thereby fostering growth and development for all.

Feature Image Caption:  Officials from the Garden Route District Municipality, who were part of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team that attended the Africa Travel Indaba 2024. FLTR: Richard Dyantyi, Manager of GRDM District Economic Development and Tourism, and Denver Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer.

Here are a few of the activities and interactions the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism team engaged in at the stand.

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7 May 2024 Media Release: A Garden Route familiarization trip for UK & Ireland travel trade professionals is hosted by South African Tourism and Wesgro

A Garden Route familiarization trip for UK & Ireland travel trade professionals is hosted by South African Tourism and Wesgro

7 May 2024

South African Tourism, in collaboration with Wesgro, is pleased to announce the hosting of a group of seven travel trade professionals from the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland on a familiarization trip to the Garden Route from 9-13 May 2024. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote South Africa as a premier tourist destination ahead of the Africa’s Travel Indaba trade show which will take place in in Durban from 13 – 16 May 2024.

The planned familiarization trip will immerse the participants in the unparalleled beauty and diverse offerings of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region. Throughout their itinerary, the group will explore the towns of George, Wilderness, Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and the Tsitsikamma area.

During their stay, the travel trade professionals will experience a rich tapestry of experiences, including our scenic landscapes, vibrant culture and heritage, abundant wildlife, thrilling adventures, and delectable food and wines. To give visitors a tantalizing taste of our destination’s diversity and allure. The Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Unit has curated goodie bags featuring items from across the region.

Familiarization trips, also known as FAM trips, are an integral to the tourism industry, serving as vital tools for developing business and marketing destinations. These trips provide first-hand experiences of tourism products and services to industry opinion makers and business providers, enabling them to make informed decisions and effectively promote the destination to prospective visitors.

“We are thrilled to welcome our esteemed guests from the UK and Ireland to experience the wonders of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo,” said Denver Johnson, Tourism Officer at the Garden Route District Municipality. Through this familiarization trip, we aim to showcase the incredible offerings of our destination and encourage meaningful partnerships with key stakeholders in the travel trade industry.”

For more updates and insights from the familiarization trip, follow our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/grandkk.

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07 May 2024 Media Release: Calling all tourism organisations – R4 million ‘Tourism Growth Fund’ now open for applications


Media Release: Calling all tourism organisations – R4 million ‘Tourism Growth Fund’ now open for applications

For immediate release
07 May 2024

The Western Cape Government’s (WCG) Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) has officially opened the 2024/25 ‘Tourism Growth Fund’  and is inviting organisations to apply for project funding for tourism development, tourism infrastructure, and tourism product development.

Speaking about the launch of the latest iteration of the fund, Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, said “tourism in the Western Cape is on the up. We have moved from post-COVID recovery and into impressive growth, showing that the province is a tourism destination of choice and very much in demand.”

“This is why I am very excited to launch the latest R4 million Tourism Growth Fund so we can work with more organisations across the sector to further improve our world-class attractions and offerings. This fund will allow us to add to and boost the already impressive array of offerings we have across the province, attracting even more visitors, and creating many more jobs in the Western Cape,” continued Minister Wenger.

The Fund challenges those involved in the tourism ecosystem – both public and private – to co-invest in high-impact attractions and experiences in order to offer a more compelling reason to visit the Western Cape and its districts.

The Fund will provide co-funding to:

  1. collaborative initiatives that enhance high-volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development/upgrading and/ or place-making/ beautification interventions; and/ or
  2. collaborative initiatives of tourism organisations working with tourism enterprises to enable businesses to enhance and expand their tourism offerings in areas with high growth potential.

There are two categories for which funding can be applied for:

Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support initiatives with a focus on upgrading high-volume attractions 

The Fund will support regional and local tourism organisations, industry associations, district and local authorities, and tourism enterprises with initiatives to enhance high-volume tourism attractions through tourism infrastructure development or upgrades and/ or place making/ beautification activities.

Tourism infrastructure upgrade means the enhancement or development of any existing or new infrastructure required to ensure that tourists can visit attractions and experiences in a safe, clean, comfortable, and accessible manner. Examples of tourism infrastructure include trails, walkways, signage, street furniture, public lighting, public toilets, shelters, hides, and more.

Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium and micro enterprises) with tourism product development

The Fund will provide financial support to enhance and/or expand collaborative programmes and projects aimed at assisting SMMEs with tourism product development. Regional and local tourism organisations, industry associations, and district and local authorities can apply for support through the programme; in exceptional circumstances, individual enterprises will be considered.

Tourism product development support includes, but is not limited to:

  • product and/ or experience development;
  • capacity development; and/or
  • provision of bespoke support (machinery, equipment, licenses, accreditation, memberships, health and safety compliance, standards etc).

This year, the Tourism Growth Fund will prioritise private sector-led initiatives aimed at stimulating high-growth, high-yield forms of tourism including in Halal, adventure, food, wine, culture and heritage, and township-based tourism offerings.

Minister Wenger emphasised that “As part of our ambitious economic action plan, ‘Growth For Jobs’, we are determined to double the number of visitors to the province by 2035 to aid in our overarching goal of enabling a R1 trillion, jobs-rich, inclusive, diverse, and resilient provincial economy that is growing at between 4% and 6% in real terms.”

“I would like to encourage those organisations who may benefit from the fund to apply without delay, and I look forward to working with the sector to attract more and more tourists to this wonderful province – because more tourists mean more jobs in the Western Cape,” concluded Minister Wenger.

For more information on the fund and on how to apply, interested applicants can visit this website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/site-page/economic-sector-support-tourism-growth-fund

Enquiries can be directed to Mrs Lindy Cambouris at:
G4Jtourismfund@westerncape.gov.za  or at 021-483-6527.

ENDS       

By Mireille Wenger, Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities

Media Queries:
Georgina Maree
Spokesperson for the Provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities
(Responsible for the Provincial Treasury and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism)
Cell: 076 423 7541
Email: georgina.maree@westerncape.gov.za

Issued by Corporate Communication, Department of the Premier

03 May 2024 Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

Media Release: Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities visits beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund

For immediate release
03 May 2024

On Monday, 29 April 2024, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Ms Mireille Wenger, paid a visit to some of the beneficiaries of the Tourism Development Fund in the Garden Route, Mossel Bay, namely; Nova Hot Air Balloons  and The Skipper Foundation.

Whilst in Mossel Bay MEC Wenger also paid a visit to The Mossel Bay cruise port to discuss some of the future expansion plans of the Mossel Bay port for cruise tourism with the port management and Mossel Bay Trading Hub. With the Western Cape Governments’ assistance to small businesses at the trading hub in relation to alternative energy solutions to ensure business continuity during loadshedding, the MEC was joined by the Executive Mayor of GRDM, Alderman Memory Booysen, and Mossel Bay Councillor, Cllr Anton Dellemijn.

What is  The Tourism Product Development Fund?

The Tourism Product Development Fund supports the development of new tourism products and experiences and/or major upgrading of existing tourism products and experiences to increase the Western Cape’s destination attractiveness to visitors.

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) requested organisations and businesses from both private and public organisations to apply for project funding via the Tourism Product Development Fund.

The Tourism Product Development initiative seeks to develop new or existing tourism products and experiences within the Western Cape. The Fund supported new or existing tourism products and experiences that address gaps and opportunities identified by the draft Tourism Blueprint 2030. A total of R 5 million was made available for disbursement during the 2022/2023 government fiscal year by the Western Cape Government.

Additional: The Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Tourism Growth Fund is open to receive fund applications.

Click here to visit the dedicated web page for DEDAT’s Tourism Growth Fund for more information and to apply online.

The Tourism Growth Fund – APPLY TODAY! 

The Department of Economic Development and Tourism is requesting organisations implementing tourism development projects or programmes in the categories of Tourism Infrastructure Support and Tourism Product Development Support to apply for project funding via the Tourism Growth Fund. The Fund will provide financial support to development programmes and projects that benefit Western Cape-based tourism attractions and businesses. A total of R4 million is available in 2024 for disbursement to successful applicants.

Applications and criteria:

  1. Applicants must complete the online application form and will be required to upload all of the requested supporting documents. The submitted proposals must be structured toward one of the following categories:
  • Category 1: Tourism Infrastructure Support Initiatives with a focus on upgrading high visitor volume attractions.
  • Category 2: Tourism Product Development Support Initiatives with a focus on assisting tourism enterprises (specifically small, medium, and micro enterprises) with tourism product development.
  1. Only applications submitted via the online process will be considered. No emailed or hand-delivered applications will be considered.
  2. Thoroughly read the application guidelines before completing the online application. All sections in the application form are mandatory.
  3. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the online form so that you have the necessary information at hand when completing your application. You can refer to the attached document for an electronic copy of the form, as well as the call for proposals.

There is no closing date, however funds are subject to availability. Don’t delay, apply today!

For more information, contact Lindy Cambouris on  021 483 6527 or G4JTourismFund@westerncape.gov.za

ENDS

30 April 2024 Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

Media Release:  Regional Tourism Office unpacks their recent WTM Africa attendance

For immediate release
30 April 2024

This year, with the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK), once again used the opportunity at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2024 to successfully exhibit in a 90m2 space with local tourism offices and small business.

The GR&KK’s presence at the platform allowed the region to engage with tour operators, travel agents and travel media to direct more visitors to the region. These platforms contribute significantly to the increasing of numbers of international and domestic tourists as per the Wesgro survey report applicable from November to January 2023/24.

With approximately twenty (20) products exhibited under the GR&KK umbrella, three (3) of the products were beneficiaries of the GRDM Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME)  Support & Development programme. The collective initiative is just one of the development aspects to support SMMEs.

Numerous engagements and meetings took place, and these engagements included the following topics of interest:

  • General interests in GR&KK marketing and general, but broad interest and possible linkages with the brand.
  • High-end luxury packages, tourists tour packages, private safaris in the region and Avi-tourism initiatives
  • General interests in products, i.e. hotel and resort products
  • Route 62 and Klein Karoo referrals and interest.
  • United Kingdom (UK) market expansion and information.
  • Garden Route Chapter feedback and updates.
  • Member reach and expansion of products.
  • Bookings platforms.
  • General enquiries and information

With the interaction at the GR&KK stall over the three-day period, connections through meetings with these contacts (international, domestic buyers and media) were built and it delivered fruitful discussions and possible future relations. Some products furthermore indicated their interest to form part of the GR&KK representation at next year’s WTM. The Western Cape Minister of Finance, Economic and Tourism also visited the GR&KK stand where discussions were mainly focused on the current performance of the GR&KK as the destination.

This regional initiative sent out a strong message of unity/collaboration to ensure that the GR&KK is undoubtedly recognised as the preferred tourism destination.

ENDS

10 April 2024 Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

Media Release:  Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism showcases Region’s vibrant offerings at World Travel Market Africa 2024

For Immediate Release
10 April 2024

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), responsible for tourism marketing and development, proudly announces its participation in the upcoming World Travel Market Africa 2024 (WTM Africa 2024), scheduled to take place from 10 April to 12 April 2024. As a vital opportunity to position the region on the global stage of travel and tourism, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism office will showcase the diverse and enchanting offerings of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

WTM Africa, a renowned event within the travel industry, gathers over 6000 professionals annually to explore the latest trends and opportunities in both inbound and outbound African travel markets. This year, the physical event promises pre-arranged meetings, buyer speed networking sessions, and an extensive conference program, providing an ideal platform for Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism to connect with industry stakeholders.

Recognising the significance of this opportunity, Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism has secured a prominent 90m2 exhibition space, the largest in the region’s history, to highlight the collective offerings of the region. The platform will feature not only the regional tourism office but also local tourism offices and their respective products, all under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

Participating alongside Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism are 19 entities, including 6 local tourism offices and 13 products showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage, natural wonders, and unique experiences. Among them, three products have benefited from the GRDM SMME Support & Development program, underscoring the region’s commitment to nurturing sustainable tourism growth and supporting local businesses.

Tourism employees and product owners promoting and selling Klein Karoo and Garden Route attractions and offerings.

The others products are:

Plett Tourism                                

  • Crags Country Lodge
  • Offshore adventures
  • SASSA

Visit Knysna                                      

  • Lithemba Crafts & Tours
  • Vuka Ukhanye Tours

George, Wilderness & Uniondale  

  • Redberry Farm
  • Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
  • Explore our Hood

Oudtshoorn & de Rust Tourism       

  • Cango Caves
  • Surval Boutique Olice estate
  • Swartberg Experience & Kobus se Gat

Explorer’s Garden Route – Hessequa Tourism

Mossel Bay Tourism                         

  • Cape Saint Blaze Artisanal Distillery
  • Eight Bells Mountain Inn

“We are thrilled to represent the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region at WTM Africa 2024,” said Denver Garden Route Johnson, GRDM Tourism Officer. “This platform not only allows us to showcase our breathtaking landscapes and diverse attractions but also highlights our dedication to supporting local businesses and promoting responsible tourism practices.”

Visitors to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism stand can expect to discover a wide array of experiences, from thrilling adventures to tranquil escapes, all nestled within the natural beauty of the region. With a focus on forging valuable connections and fostering collaborations, the team is eager to engage with tour operators, travel agents, and travel writers to drive more tourism to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

Did you know?

World Travel Market Africa delivers the leading global events for the travel industry. One of six shows in the WTM portfolio, the Africa show was launched in 2014 under the Africa Travel Week umbrella to bring the benefits and opportunities of the global industry expertise to travel professionals in South Africa. Traditionally taking place in Cape Town, South Africa, joined by over 6000 travel industry professionals who attend Africa’s leading and only business to business (B2B) exhibition for both the inbound and outbound African travel and tourism markets.

The Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism office coordinated the platform for the region. Local Tourism Offices in the region and their products will have the opportunity to exhibit with the regional tourism office on the collective stand under the banner of Garden Route & Klein Karoo.

-End-

13 October 2023 Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA

Media Release: GRDM co-coordinates another Film Famtrip with some attendees from as far as USA

For immediate release
13 October 2023

As part of the Growth & Development Strategy for the Garden Route which was approved on 20 March 2021, and the Sustainable tourism cluster that flows from it, the Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), identified the film industry as an economic stimulant to potentially promote the Garden Route & Klein Karoo as the preferred tourism and film destination globally.

The GRDM received a request to assist with arranging a Famtrip for October. This led to a diverse delegation officially being welcomed by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen, in Bitou on 11 October. The Famtrip will conclude in Mossel Bay on 18 October 2023.

The following representatives form part of the trip:

  • Jennifer Farris – LMGI – Atlanta, USA;
  • Kate Beall – LMGI – New York, USA;
  • Joseph Mennella – LMGI – Boston, New York;
  • Lwazi Mvusi – Rous House, South Africa;
  • Shadley Lombard – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
  • Khanyeza Khanyeza – Moonlighting / Know Associates;
  • Thamebi Zikalala – SA Film Chronicles; and
  • Azania Muendane – Locations Africa.

Location Africa, a private sector entity, are set up to facilitate the promotion of Africa as a filming destination of choice. They are looking primarily at high-end producers locally, abroad and inter-continental to use the various regions of the continent as film locations.

The more the producers experience, the better they are able to imagine what can be produced in the region without having to cheat the location elsewhere, in post-production, or in studios. This ensures that they have a full idea of what is achievable in the region and thus promoting the Garden Route as a film-friendly destination

ENDS

30 August 2023 Media Release: Tourism Month festivities celebrated in September

Media Release: Tourism Month festivities celebrated in September

For immediate release
30 September 2023

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to highlight South Africa’s diverse tourism offerings as well as the sector’s significant contribution to the local economy and job creation.  Inspired by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Tourism Month provides a platform for the South African sector to celebrate, reflect and commemorate its milestones in relation to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

Tourism Month festivities are held throughout the country, culminating with the World Tourism Day celebrations which will be hosted on 27 September 2023.

During the month, the following local events and initiatives will be happening in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo:

HESSEQUA

01-03 Sept:  Hessequa Adventure Race
19-23 Sept:  Hessequa Harmonie
22-24 Sept:  Stilbaai Tourism Heritage Day Festival
23 Sept:  Hessequa Heritage Trail Run
29 Sept – 07 Oct:  Stilbaai Fynbos Festival, Stilbaai

KNYSNA

  • A social media competition encouraging participants to share their #NaturallyKnysnaMoments.  Through this competition, participants will have the opportunity to capture and share compelling images that highlight eco-tourism activities, responsible tourism and the harmonious relationship between travellers and the environment.  The competition will run from 01 – 20 September 2023 with the winner to be announced on World Tourism Day.
  • On World Tourism Day (27 September) Visit Knysna will host a “Conserve for Our Future Day” to raise awareness about the environment from 10:00 – 12:00. Speakers from SANParks Honorary Rangers, SANParks, Knysna Municipality’s Environmental Department and Knysna Basic Project will form part of this event.  Amongst the guests will be learners from high schools in the area.

CALITZDORP

  • Zamani Grill will be doing a Guinness World Record attempt from 21 – 24 September 2023 for the Longest Braai in the World.  It will end on Heritage Day (National Braai Day).  All the braai items during the 4 days will be sponsored to the community and people serving the community.
  • The global theme for 2023 as set by the UNWTO, “Tourism and Green Investments”,  Calitzdorp Tourism will be hosting their annual Vetplantfees in September where plant experts will be presenting workshops on: a) how to do plant propagation; and b) container gardening.  Keynote speakers will also teach and address issues regarding preservation of the environment.

GEORGE

  • George municipality has a ‘Focus On’ segment in the George Herald which they are using to highlight tourism experiences according to the WC theme ‘Tourism for Good’.   George Tourism will also be putting similar content in the municipal newsletter to ratepayers.
  • George as a destination is also being featured in the September print edition of Rove SA.

LADISMITH

13 Sept:  Workshop – Developing and marketing the Klein Karoo as an Avitourism destination.
23 Sept:  Streetfood Market
29 -30 Sept:  7 Weekspoort MTB and Trail Run Challenge.
29 Sept – 1 Oct:  Klein Karoo Motorbike Rally

MOSSEL BAY

08 Sept – 15 Oct: Sport & Recreation Festival in Mossel Bay
09 Sept:  The Moss March (beach walk event arranged by the Municipality with assistance of Hartenbos Seefront)
15 Sept:  Touchies Rugby Tournament in Mossel Bay
22 Sept:  Big Boxing event
21-23 Sept:  Muse Festival in Great Brak
29 Sept – 01 Oct:  Kyknet Buite -Ekspo in Hartenbos

PLETT TOURISM

  • As a build up and launch to Tourism Month, the Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities of the Western Cape, Minister Mireille Wegner, celebrated the announcement by the World Cetaceann Alliance (WCA) of Plettenberg Bay being awarded the Whale Heritage Site Status as one of three current Whale Heritage sites in South Africa. The Minister enjoyed a boat launch and up close experiences with these gentle giants on 28 August 2023 in Plettenberg Bay.

20 – 23 Sept:  Dr Evil Classic 3 Day Stage Race
26 Sept:  Bitou Amateur Theatrical Society (BATS) stage production of Fawlty Towers
29 Sept – 08 Oct:  Plett Arts Festival
30 Sept– 01 Oct:  Plett Spring Celebration

ENDS

30 August 2023 Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

Media Release: Nominate Exceptional SMMEs for SATSA Tourism Business Incubator (new slots open)

For Immediate Release
30 August 2023

As reported back by Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO), David Frost, at yesterday’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), the impact of our Tourism Business Incubator has echoed throughout our industry, inspiring change, and exemplifying the potential within every Small, Medium and Micro Entrepreneurs (SMME).

We are proud of our achievements, our collaborations with key associations like Association of South African Travel Agency (ASATA) and Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), the incubation of 32 black owned SMMEs, and our support from well-known members including City Lodge Hotel Group, Europcar, New Frontiers, and more.

SATSA’s Tourism Business Incubator, a Non-Profit Company established to help SATSA members and stakeholders implement enterprise and supplier development, shares the mission with others like Anglo American Zimele, to foster growth beyond boundaries.

Now we’re looking ahead to year two of the project, and with ten places having become available, we invite you to play an essential part in this journey by nominating deserving small businesses (with 51% or more black ownership) for our incubation program. Nominees should have a turnover of less than R50 million and be operating for at least one year. Your nominations can elevate these entrepreneurs, contributing to our entire industry’s prosperity.

To nominate an SMME (or yourself-if you meet the requirements), please send the following details to Hannelie Du Toit (hannelie@satsa.co.za) before close of business 1 September 2023:

  1. Business Name
  2. Owner’s Name
  3. Type of business (this can be any type of business within the tourism value chain including services such as laundry, etc.)
  4. Email Address
  5. Mobile Contact Number

For more information, contact Akash Singh (akash@sigmaintl.co.za) from Sigma International.

Issued by: The SATSA Team

ENDS

19 July 2023 Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

Media Release: Garden Route DM rolls out various activities before and on Mandela Day

For Immediate Release
19 July 2023

While the world celebrates the life of an icon, the late President of the Republic of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, employees of the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) also followed his example to reach out to vulnerable community members throughout the region.

GRDM kicked off their activities on 17 July by hosting a pre-Madiba Day blood donation drive at its head office in George in collaboration with the Western Cape Blood Service. The GRDM also invited the public to donate blood, which resulted in just over 50 blood donations being made.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated nutritious and delicious ‘food socks’ to two families in the Buffelsdrift rural area of Oudtshoorn. Food socks contain pasta, rice, flavourings, stock powders, herbs, spices, dehydrated vegetables, pulses, beans, and soy products. GRDM officials bought the socks. The donation will provide food for eight beneficiaries for a week. The two families extended their appreciation to the GRDM officials for providing them with food.

The Oudtshoorn Municipal Health Office donated ‘food socks’ to families in Buffelsdrift.

Planning and Economic Development Department officials, comprised of the EPWP, Tourism and Local Economic Development, and Human Settlements sections, took Madiba Day activities to a new level when they rolled out the following activities at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu. In the morning, they divided themselves into different groups. The first group painted the outside walls of the school building with a primer. After that, others begin painting the building with a beautiful topcoat colour. Other officials, who are much more handy with a hammer and nails, installed PVC ceilings. Some of the female colleagues spent time reading and feeding toddlers and newborns. While others prepared a ‘braai’ lunch for the children and their educators. The daycare center also received a coat from officials.
GRDM Planning and Economic Development officials installing PVC ceilings and feeding toddlers at Kusile Baby Care in Thembalethu.
Environmental Health Practitioners (EHP) of Garden Route District Municipality’s Wilderness region celebrated Mandela Day with 60 children from Klipdrift Primary School. The EHPs painted a classroom and supplied colourful tires to improve the playground area. EHPs also shared slices of cake and snack parcels with each child, while they also played games and shared the importance of giving back to others.
EHP officials of GRDM shared cake with children from Klipdrift Primary School and improved their playground.
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Firefighters proved that they can do more than fight wildfires and protect communities. They made sandwiches and distributed them with cool drinks to homeless people in George’s Shoprite parking lot.

GRDM Firefighters sharing sandwiches and cool drinks with homeless people in George.

Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Office of the Municipal Manager, donated 51 pairs of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School. The shoe donations sprout from the Walk a Child to School campaign and included more staff donations too. The school is already collecting small donations from learners on Fridays to buy shoes for those who are in need. Principal Raymond Eagan thanked the GRDM for the shoe donations and funding. He said: “Our school is home to 1554 bright minds and 42 dedicated teachers.” Learners are mainly from Borchards, Thembalethu, Maraiskamp, Parkdene, and Lawaaikamp. The Principal also said the school’s name, Mzoxola, means “a beacon for peace,” and it was established in 1994 by Naledi Pandor.

Officials of the Office of the Municipal Manager GRDM donated 51 pair of shoes and funds to Mzoxolo Primary School in Lawaaikamp.

ENDS