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Tourism

17 May 2023 Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Office elevates the region at the 2023 Africa Indaba Show

Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Office elevates the region at the 2023 Africa Indaba Show

For Immediate Release
17 May 2023

Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism (GR&KK) Regional Tourism Office (RTO) of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently attended the 3 day Africa Travel Indaba 2023 held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Durban. In accordance with the GRDM Tourism and the Growth and Development Strategies, GRDM must market / sell the region.

Tourism marketing and development Unit is responsible for coordinating regional tourism initiatives and promotes and develops tourism throughout the region, while working closely with eight (8) Local Tourism Offices (LTO).  With a focus on selling and promoting the region’s vast potential, GR&KK also aims to attract global attention and foster economic growth in the district.

GR&KK tourism representatives who attended the 2023 Africa Indaba Show last week in Durban. FLTR: Joan Shaw – Tourism Manager from George/Wilderness/Uniondale Tourism, Denver Johnson – GRDM Tourism Officer and Thozeka Sikali from Visit Knysna.

From 09 May – 11 May 2023, preceded by a Business Opportunity Networking Day (BONDay) on 08 May 2023, the Africa Indaba Show aimed to provide a platform for thought leadership, knowledge sharing, and market insight. BONDay is developed in collaboration with global tourism organisations, continental experts, and industry associations.

During the trade show, African tourism exhibitors showcased their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing companies and leisure tourism service providers. The event allowed travel trade professionals to meet face-to-face with some of the most influential buyers on the continent, and gain a deeper understanding of Africa’s excellence and endless potential. As a result of these opportunities and quality connections, Africa will be able to shape its future.

According to GRDM representatives, several new and existing connections were made over the course of the three days, as the GRDM delegation engaged with various domestic and international buyers interested in learning about our area, re-visiting or expanding their tourism offerings by integrating the Garden Route & Klein Karoo into their existing packages.

The following top four tourism offerings were most popular under the tourism buyers

  • Educational trips to familiarize tour/travel agents of existing and new products/offerings in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo
  • High-end luxury travel (5 Star)
  • Incentive travel (Golfing, wine routes, craft beer and gin experiences)
  • Camping and caravan offerings in the Garden Route & Klein Karoo – most interest from the domestic market

The Western Cape stand was hosted by Wesgro, with the GR&KK Regional Tourism Office also forming part of it to promote the region along with Visit Knysna, George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism LTOs.

Africa’s Travel Indaba is an iconic African leisure trade show, owned by South African Tourism, with the specific objective of creating market access for our vast array of African leisure tourism products.

Learn more about each local tourism office by accessing their websites via the GR&KK website here: https://www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com/contact/

END

14 November 2022 Media Release: Tourism sector recovery in the spotlight

Media Release: Tourism sector recovery in the spotlight

For immediate release
14 November 2022

The Economic Development and Tourism Unit of Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), recently facilitated Tourism Information Sharing Sessions held in Oudtshoorn and Oubaai respectively. Sessions were organised by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with GRDM; an initiative that is in line with the broader objectives of the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan.

The main objectives of the programme are to:

  • implement goals and objectives of the National Tourism Sector Strategy (NTSS)
  • assist in the recovery of the Tourism Sector;
  • promote access to information;
  • initiate and facilitate platforms where the department can communicate its priorities, planned projects and programmes; and
  • build capacity of businesses within the tourism sector through sharing information on services offered, and opportunities for SMME’s especially the rural enterprise.

The following information, was furthermore shared with stakeholders: Funding and support to the tourism sector (capital and non-capital) through the Tourism Incentive Programme (TIP) – Department of Tourism. The TIP was established by the Department of Tourism during the 2015/16 financial year with the purpose of stimulating growth and development in the tourism sector. It aims to provide financial assistance to privately owned tourism enterprises.

Garden Route District Municipality’s Tourism Team facilitated and represented the Garden Route & Klein Karoo regional Tourism brand at both sessions.

Five programmes are currently funded under the broader TIP, namely:

1.  The Green Tourism Incentive programme (GTIP)

The Green Tourism Incentive Programme (GTIP) is a resource efficiency incentive programme of the Department of Tourism. The GTIP objectives are to encourage and support private sector tourism enterprises to adopt responsible tourism practices by moving towards the sustainable management of water and energy resources, whilst adhering to responsible tourism practices. Through grant funding, the GTIP assists private sector tourism enterprises in reducing the cost of investing in more energy and water efficient operations, while increasing their competitiveness, profitability, employment and operational sustainability in the long term. The GTIP was initially launched in 2017 and reviewed in 2021 resulting in additional benefits to the tourism sector for the installation of solutions for the sustainable management and usage of electricity and water.

2.  Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF)

The Tourism Transformation Fund (TTF) is a dedicated capital investment funding mechanism established by the Department of Tourism in collaboration with the National Empowerment Fund (NEF) and focuses specifically on financial support for black entrepreneurs investing in projects in the tourism sector. The TTF aims to drive transformation in the tourism sector in a more direct and impactful manner that will not only assist black-owned tourism enterprises to expand and grow, but also to catalyse the rise of a new generation of black-owned tourism enterprises to propel the tourism sector to greater heights.

3.  Tourism Equity Fund (TEF) – applications are currently placed on hold.

 4.  Market Access Support programme (MASP)

The Market Access Support Programme (MASP) aims to assist small inbound tourism enterprises to access and engage with tourism buyers in new and existing markets by reducing the cost burden of qualifying enterprises to attend and participate in predetermined international and domestic tourism trade platforms. The programme aims to not only facilitate growth in foreign tourist arrivals and increased foreign exchange earnings for South Africa, but also to stimulate enterprise growth and expansion that will ultimately lead to further job creation and transformation in the sector.

5.  Tourism Grading Support programme (TGSP)

The Tourism Grading Support Programme was introduced to encourage wider participation in the tourism grading system and to reduce the cost burden of grading on small tourism enterprises. The programme also aims to stimulate an increase in conformity to quality standards in tourism which in turn will enhance the overall visitor experience and improve South Africa’s competitiveness as a tourism destination.

The following information/presentations were furthermore shared with the delegates at the event:

GRDM’s Tourism officials Denver Johnson and Kayakazi Klaas, with the Manager for Economic Development and Tourism, Ms Melanie Wilson, represented the Garden Route and Klein Karoo regional tourism brand at the sessions.

ENDS

19 October 2022 Media Release: Garden Route domestic tourism trip attended by Journalists and Bloggers

Media Release: Garden Route domestic tourism trip attended by Journalists and Bloggers

19 October 2022
For immediate release

Early this year, the Western Cape Tourism, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Wesgro) entered into a three-year partnership agreement with Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) to accelerate the region’s economic growth, investment, trade and tourism. Clear targets and deliverables were set out in this agreement.  In order to increase domestic demand along the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, a familiarisation trip was organised with business and media delegations from Gauteng and Western Cape. The focus of this trip/educational was mainly on family and budget friendly packaging that is on offer in our region.

The trip consisted of 15 participants, including tour operators offering family-friendly packages, media representatives (print and online) focusing on family-friendly experiences, Wesgro representatives, and GR&KK representatives. The five-day trip took place across the entire Garden Route & Klein Karoo region

The initiatives are in line with the Growth and Development Strategy and Garden Route Economy Recovery Plan to boost the Garden Route economy.

Itinerary summary and highlights of the GR&KK Famtrip

Day one, the group met each other for the first time as they arrived at George Airport from their different flights with the tour operator – Tours 4 SA receiving the group. The drive to Garden Route Game Route was indeed pleasant with inviting weather and the group commenting on the diverse landscape witnessed enroute.

GRDM’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen, and a delegation from Council welcomed the group with a networking lunch at Albertina’s Garden Route Game Lodge, highlighting the region’s beauty and splendour.

Day two, was utilised to explore the Garden Route Game Lodge property and to engage with management. The purpose of the trip was to promote the region as a tourism destination.

The group enjoyed the Western Cape Butterfly Sanctuary in Ruiterbos, which was officially opened in November 2021 and is the first and only butterfly sanctuary in the region.

On the third day, the group experienced the Karoo in its true essence in Oudtshoorn, from an ostrich farm safari to visiting the Cango Caves. A highlight of any trip to Oudtshoorn is this experience. The evening ended with an amazing night game drive at Buffelsdrift Game Lodge. This was an experience of the nocturnal side of wildlife, with many animal sightings and a coffee break under the stars while on the game drive which ended the night on a high note.

Day four, saw the group once again experiencing why many visitors to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo enjoy self-drives through the region Guests travelled from Oudtshoorn to Plettenberg Bay to visit the SAASA sanctuaries (Jukani and Birds of Eden). Feedback from the guests was that it felt like an ‘Amazon’ experience as they navigated through the world’s largest free flight aviary and bird sanctuary.

Day five offered a taste of adventure that included zip lining, climbing and hanging from ropes at the Timberlake organic village between Sedgefield and Wilderness at Acrobranch. This wasfollowed by a boat ride in the Wilderness National Park.

As the group left George after a closing lunch at Redberry Farm, they felt invigorated on the one side, but also sad that they had to bid farewell to the beautiful Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

According to Mrs Amagene Koeberg, GRDM Tourism Coordinator, “continuous engagements are still underway with the group as they publish their experiences and share it with their various audiences through different platforms, as some of the participants have already shared TikTok videos, images, videos and some of the tour operators already engaging with our products/services to include the offerings into their packages. These platforms are being monitored and more statistics and reach will be relayed over a period of time as content gets released, “she said.

-End-

1 September 2022 Media Release: GRDM celebrates Public Service, Heritage and Tourism months – All in one

Media Release: GRDM celebrates Public Service, Heritage and Tourism months – All in one

Heritage Month

In celebration of Heritage Month, the Garden Route District Municipality (GDRDM) Councillors and employees will tomorrow celebrate its significance on the South African (SA) calendar by dressing up in South African colours including any South African attire, SA Sports gear, even local sports gear, national flag colours, to name a few.

The institution will be posting few images of how the staff embraced the celebration leading up to the Heritage Day that will be celebrated on 24 September 2022.

Public Service Month

Did you know? September marks Public Service Month in South Africa. Public Service Month (PSM) is an integrated strategic national event in the calendar of the Department of Public Service and Administration.

September marks Public Service Month (PSM) in our country. The integrated government wide programme will encompass:

  • Public Service Month
  • Heritage Day
  • Tourism Month
  • Police – Commemoration Day

The Public Service Month serves as a reminder of what it means to serve communities and to also look at the impact the government has, especially around issues of service delivery. As part of the Public Service Month, public servants are expected to:

  • Roll up their sleeves and spring-clean their service delivery points;

  • Visit schools, hospitals, police stations and courts, talk to citizens, mediate the delivery of services and getting things done;

  • Unblock the bottlenecks and red-tape in the delivery of services;

  • Ensure the systems and infrastructure are working and use public resources efficiently to the benefit of the citizens; and

  • Recommit themselves to belong, to care and to serve the people.

Enjoy and let’s recommit to serving our communities.

Tourism Month

Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September, and provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy. It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations.

This global observance day by The United Nations World Tourism Organisation aims to foster awareness of tourism’s social, cultural, political and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

The Tourism Sector Recovery Plan encourages South Africans to travel domestically to sustain jobs and boost tourism.

The Department Tourism developed the Tourism Sector Recovery Plan with the tourism sector and it contains a set of interventions to protect and rejuvenate supply, reignite demand and strengthen enabling capability to support the sector’s recovery.

And, did you know that the Garden Route & Klein Karoo is one of the most beautiful, awe-inspiring stretches of land in South Africa, if not the world?

For more information about these sceneries, events and activities that our area has to offer, go to:
http://www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com/

Visit/like our Facebook page and view all activities of this month.

Source: South African Government

ENDS

11 July 2022 Media Release: Partnership between GRDM, Wesgro, SATSA, FEDHASA and Local Tourism Offices – Destination Marketing Organisation Launch

Media Release: Partnership between GRDM, Wesgro, SATSA, FEDHASA and Local Tourism Offices – Destination Marketing Organisation Launch

For immediate release
11 July 2022

This morning, the Garden Route District Municipality launched a partnership with Wesgro, SATSA, and FEDHASA, as well as Local Tourism Offices in the Garden Route. In line with the mandate and mission of the parties to collaborate for purposes of tourism promotion of the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, the Destination Garden Route & Klein Karoo project has been initiated.

The purpose of the project is to collaborate for the purposes of tourism promotion of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region in a manner that embodies strategic cohesiveness and the efficient utilisation of resources between the stakeholders. The stakeholders have all recognised the need for a coordinated approach when implementing the Project and to this end have committed themselves to conclude a Memorandum of Understanding.

The areas of collaboration include but are not limited to marketing and promotion, events, strategic initiatives (including cruise and air route development), and tourism, with the purpose of conducting joint marketing and development initiatives, as amended from time to time by the Steering Committee.

With the Garden Route and Klein Karoo region being a beautiful asset of the Western Cape, the Garden Route brand will now be promoted to the domestic and international traveler in a joint approach, supported by Government, together with the private sector that will participate and do all the right things to showcase this region as a whole.

The partnership was officially launched this morning at the King George Hotel, in George. The launch coincided with the establishment of the Sustainable Tourism Cluster workshop, as per the Garden Route Growth and Development Strategy and the 7 priority clusters that were identified.

Feature Photo:
FLTR: Corleen Barnard, Tourism Manager: Oudtshoorn & De Rust; Joan Shaw – Tourism Manager: George, Wilderness & Uniondale; Alderman Memory Booysen, GRDM Executive Mayor; Monika Leul, Chief Marketing Officer at Wesgro; Melanie Wilson, GRDM Manager for Economic Development & Tourism and Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager for Planning & Economic Development at GRDM.

ENDS

6 July 2022 Media Release: Calitzdorp Hot Springs to host a Music, Arts, and Food Gathering with a purpose

Media Release: Calitzdorp Hot Springs to host a Music, Arts, and Food Gathering with a purpose

6 July 2022
For Immediate Release

Echo Outdoor Gatherings is no stranger to the regional electronic music scene and for years they have hosted events of the highest quality.

After holding their flagship event – Elements of Life – successfully at De Hoek Mountain Resort near Cango Caves for the past five years, Daniel Mentz (event organizer), branched out to Calitzdorp Hot Springs in March with another exciting festival: Valley Of Dreams. The three-day event turned out to be a huge success, which was sold out completely, with people trekking from across the country to attend. According to David, the event attracted nearly 600 festival-goers, which was also a much-needed boost for business and tourism. Festival-goers venture out into the area during an event to explore and some opt to stay for longer as they usually travel from all over the country to attend such festivals.

“Our festival-goers want to make the best of their stay and frequently talk about what they were up to when venturing out to explore the area,” said Mentz.

This July, Echo Outdoor Gatherings will return to Calitzdorp Hot Springs with an even bigger event called ‘Elements of Fire’.

From Friday, 29 July to Sunday, 31 July festival-goers can look forward to a weekend that promises to be a visual and sonic experience like no other. Food stalls will sell falafels, breakfasts, steaks, and freshly pressed juice. Vegan and vegetarian options will also be made available.

Various craft stalls will sell items like dream catchers, leather works, jewellery, clothing brands, and macrame. There will also be two fire shows every night.

Winter Warmer Drive

Echo Outdoor Gatherings wanted to say thank you to the community of Calitzdorp for their warm welcome and decided to give back. This is why they are currently running a food and blanket drive for Friends Of Calitzdorp Animals (FOCA).

FOCA was launched six years ago when the founding member helped some friends to look after stray animals. Today they feed 250 dogs, 70 cats and facilitate up to 30 sterilisations a month. FOC are also constantly building kennels and continues to educate the local residents on animal welfare.

‘The amount of neglect FOCA witnesses every day is horrifying, to say the least,” said Mentz.

To supplement the Winter Warmer Drive, Echo Outdoor Gatherings and Feel Good Entertainment will donate 10% of the bar proceedings for the weekend to FOCA.

Garden Route District Municipality is proud to host the Echo Outdoor Gatherings events as Daniel takes pride in what he does. Every event is carefully planned and those attending must adhere to strict rules.

“Family is at the core of Echo Outdoor Gatherings and will always be,” said Mentz

ends

22 Junie 2022 Persvrystelling: Naam en kenteken van Calitzdorp Spa verander na Calitzdorp Warmbron

Media Vrystelling: Naam en kenteken van Calitzdorp Spa verander na Calitzdorp Warmwaterbron

Vir Onmiddelikke Vrystelling
22 Junie 2022

Die Tuinroete Distriksraad (Garden Route District Municipality Council) het vandag besluit om Calitzdorp Spa te hernoem en sy kenteken te verander na Calitzdorp Warmwaterbron wat in Engels bekend sal staan as Calitzdorp Hot Springs. Die besluit is geneem na verskeie reisagente en gaste hul kommer uitgespreek het oor die warmwaterbron wat nie spa-tipe fasiliteite bied nie, maar eerder by sy unieke verkoopspunt geïdentifiseer moet word. Tydens die World Travel Market Africa is die Distriksmunisipaliteit se oorde en kampeerterreine bemark en dis waar soorgelyke vrae opgeduik het oor Calitzdorp Spa se naam.

“Die naam Calitzdorp Spa is misleidend in die sin dat gaste wat nog nie die warmwaterbron besoek het nie van mening is dat hul verskeie geriewe en dienste verwag het – soos die ou naam wat “spa” insluit mens laat dink,” meen Tuinroete Distriksmunisipaliteit se Portefeulje Raadslid vir Eiendom en Batebestuur, Rdl. Jobieth Hoogbaard.

“Calitzdorp Warmwaterbron gee ‘n akkurate aanduiding van wat gaste kan verwag,” sê Hoogbaard.

Die kenteken is deur die kommunikasie-afdeling van die distriksmunisipaliteit aangepas en addisionele kostes is nie aangegaan om diensverskaffers te betrek tydens die proses nie. Die Distriksmunisipaliteit sal voortgaan om die uitrol van die nuwe identiteit kostedoeltreffend te bestuur.

Noudat die nuwe kenteken en naam onthul is deur die raad se goedkeuring, sal’n handleiding en -gereedskapstel saamgestel word, wat onder meer template sal bevat wat alle vir bemarkingsdoeleindes gebruik kan word. Om mee te begin, sal die nuwe kenteken op ons verskillende digitale platforms aangebring word, wat betreklik goedkoop sal wees. Namate die Warmwaterbron se ander kontakpunte met die publiek dan bygewerk of vervang moet word, sal ons die nuwe kenteken stelselmatig infaseer.

Foto van embleme: Ou embleem (Calitzdorp Spa, links) en nuwe embleem (Calitzdorp Hot Springs, regs).

 

EINDE

4 May 2022 Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism currently marketing the region at Indaba in Durban

Media Release: Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism currently marketing the region at Indaba in Durban

For Immediate Release
4 May 2022

Garden Route District Municipality’s Tourism Section is currently attending Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban from 03 to 05 May 2022. Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and one of the top three must-do events of its kind on the global calendar. It showcases the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracts international buyers and media from across the world!

ENDS

11 April 2022 Media Release: Annual World Travel Market Africa attended by local and regional tourism representatives

Media Release: Annual World Travel Market Africa attended by local and regional tourism representatives

For Immediate Release
11 April 2022

This year’s World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2022 kicked off with virtual sessions from 4 – 5 April, and continues now, starting 11 – 13 April at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC). The Garden Route and Klein Karoo (GR&KK) Regional Tourism Office (RTO), several Local Tourism Offices (LTO) and Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Resorts, and other tourism products from the region are in attendance.

According to Amagene Koeberg, GRDM Senior Tourism Coordinator, the GR&KK and its LTO partners, seek to position the region as the preferred destination to live, play, work, and invest.

Passmore Dongi, Manager: Projects, Properties, Facilities & Resort Management, who is also in attendance with the GR&KK and LTOs, highlighted the importance of the GRDM Resorts being present at trade and consumer shows. “This is the first tradeshow for the GRDM Resorts to attend and it will certainly not be the last”. A marketing and promotional platform like this presents a perfect opportunity for the Municipality to network and build valuable relations across the globe. “It ensures that the Garden Route remains top of mind,” said Dongi.

WTM Africa provides a Business-to-Business platform for international travel professionals, buyers, exhibitors, and media to showcase the continent’s diverse offerings. The Tourism Industry embraces this much-needed promotional platform.

The WTM Africa includes a wide spectrum of speakers and events like the International Business Tourism Market (ibtm) Africa, EQUAL Africa, Travel Forward, the Sports and Events Tourism Exchange (SETE) and Responsible Tourism (RT) Conference and Awards.

The four resorts of Garden Route District Municipality can be accessed below.

Photo caption (fltr): Denver Johnson (GR&KK Tourism Officer), Herman Pieters (GRDM Chief Communication Officer), Amagene Koeberg (GR&KK Senior Coordinator), and Passmore Dongi (GRDM Projects, Properties, Facilities & Resort Management).

ENDS

05 April 2022 Tourism Promotion: Let’s tee off

Let’s tee off

The Garden Route and Klein Karoo region offers golf courses that are tailor-made to your taste. This area boasts 12 top golf courses, eight of which are championship courses that will challenge you from the beginning to the end!  Our coast is dotted with an excellent selection of courses providing memorable shot values and links-style layouts. They truly make the region’s golf stand out amongst the rest.

Tee off at a sensational coastline location or with a view of never-ending river valleys, lagoons, lake frontages, and rugged indigenous fynbos, all of which add to a magical golfing experience.

Known as the Golfing Mecca of South Africa, the Garden Route boasts numerous award-winning and world-class golf courses. Garden Route golf courses and estates have received numerous awards, competing among global courses and estates globally. While we can’t guarantee a hole-in-one on each golf course, we can assure you that you will have a memorable golfing experience on the Garden Route.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

    Directory

Albertinia Golf Club
Centre Brak and Golf Street
(028) 735 1646		 Dolphin Creek Golf Estate
Morrison Road, Great Brak River
(044) 620 3278
Goose Valley Golf Club
Next to N2, Goosevalley Plettenberg Bay
(044) 533 5082		 Fancourt (The Links, Montagu & Outeniqua courses)
Montagu Street, Blanco, George
(044) 804 0000
George Golf Club
Langenhoven Street, George
(044) 801 9295
 Pinnacle Point Golf Resort
1 Pinnacle Point Drive, Mossel Bay
(044) 606 5300
Heidelberg Country Club
2 Station Street
(028) 755 1573		 Knysna Golf Club
Howard Street, Hunters Home
(044) 384 1150
Ladismith Golf Club
Van Riebeeck Street
(028) 551 2568		 Oubaai Golf Club
Oubaai Golf Estate, Herolds Bay
(044) 851 1234
Mossel Bay Golf Club
17th Avenue
(044) 691 2379
 Oudtshoorn Golf Club
St Saviour Street
(044) 272 4201
Kingswood Golf Estate
1 Kingswood Boulevard, George
(086)172 7170		 Pezula Championship Course
Lagoon View Drive, Knysna
(044) 302 5307/5360
Simola Country Estate Golf Club
1 Old Cape Road, Knysna
(044) 382 0944		 Plettenberg Bay Country club
Piesang Valley Road
(044) 533 2132
Riversdale Golf Club
Industrial Area
(028) 713 8065