Tourism Indaba gives Food for thought
The second day of the Overstrand Tourism indaba started with a packed auditorium on Thursday, 7 September in Hermanus. The event formed part of the Overstrand Municipality’s drive to develop a tourism strategy that speaks to what the industry wants and not what the Municipality considers to be priorities. Addressing the audience, Councillor Clinton Lerm, Mayoral Committee Member for Investment, Infrastructure and Tourism, spoke about the planned role and vision of the Overstrand Tourism Department. He planted the seed to rename Overstrand as Cape Whale Coast or Whale Coast as a more appropriate...
Tourism Indaba highlights Agri-Tourism Opportunities
Overstrand Municipality’s Tourism Indaba, officially kicked off in Hermanus on 6 September 2023 and continues tomorrow with a full programme. Topics to be addressed include optimising online booking platforms, investigating traditional versus non-traditional source markets, Overstrand regulations linked to the hospitability industry, travel trends, and the value of having accommodation establishments graded. Overstrand Executive Mayor, Dr Annelie Rabie, welcomed Western Cape Minister of Agriculture Dr Ivan Meyer at the opening and invited the audience to participate in the Indaba and give input with the drafting of a visionary tourism strategy. The goal...
CapeNature and Grootbos Foundation partnership to address alien vegetation clearing and skills training
MEC Anton Bredell on partnership between CapeNature and Grootbos Foundation to address alien vegetation clearing and skills training CapeNature, the Western Cape Government’s conservation agency, and the Grootbos Foundation have joined hands through a formal partnership to address alien vegetation clearing in the Walker Bay Complex and skills training through the Foundation’s Green Futures College, the vocational training home of the Grootbos Foundation. The two organisations recently hosted a joint celebration to honour the group of CapeNature trainees who completed a housekeeping training programme and a group of 19 women and one...
Lost beauty of The Marine Hotel restored.
Grand Dame of Hermanus, The Marine Hotel, has dusted off a long-forgotten ballroom that was previously functioning as a storeroom. Architecturally there has been careful consideration to restore the distinguished arches and one is taken back to the era when this space was used for dinner parties and dancing in the 1920s – the same time that Sir William Hoy visited Hermanus – then known as the Riviera of the South. The transition is complete and Hermanus now has a brand-new function venue. Wireless connectivity and the ability to fit 60...
‘Hop on over for a big welcome back’
Time to pop the cork on that Brut Cap Classique from Domain des Dieux- the little winery tucked high up on the slopes of the Hemel en Aarde valley, producer of last yea's most lauded bubblies..Never heard of it? Thats the point. Cape Town is bordered by six viticultural regions which in turn encompass 26 districts - literally hundreds of wineries an hour or so from the centre. with tasting room windows invariably framing picturesque vineyard views; many offering great meals. Pippa de Bruyn ...
Top 7 things to do in Hermanus
Hermanus, a picturesque coastal town nestled along the shores of Walker Bay in the Western Cape, is renowned as one of the world’s best destinations for land-based whale watching. However, this charming town offers much more than just whale sightings. With its stunning natural beauty, vibrant marine life and a plethora of activities, Hermanus has something for everyone Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a lover of art and culture, Hermanus promises an unforgettable experience. Here are some of the best activities to try out in this beautiful town. Whale watching Hermanus...
Walker Bay in Cape Town – take a walk on the scenic side
Stanford is the perfect base from which to explore all the wonders Walker Bay has to offer. An easy 90-minute drive from Cape Town, Walker Bay is a scenic slice of the Overberg stretching from Hermanus in the west to Gansbaai on its eastern flank. Walker Bay Nature Reserve includes a large section of coastline, with the Klein River lagoon at its back. Following the Klein River up its meandering path, you’ll soon stumble upon the quiet village of Stanford. I’ve always driven past en route to Gansbaai or further afield, promising myself...
Bientangs’s Cave win at 2023 International Tourism Film Festival Africa
Bientang's Cave Restaurant & Wine Bar at the Hermanus Waterfront recently placed second in their category (Tourism Service: Restaurants) at the 2023 International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). ITFFA is a prestigious film festival that recognises excellence in tourism marketing and promotion. Bientangs film tells the story of the cave's discovery and its history and highlights the cave's natural beauty and its potential for tourism. The judges were impressed by the film, which captures the beauty and uniqueness of the cave in a way that is both informative and engaging. The...
Hermanus local golden boy wins
Hermanus’ golden boy has done it again! Tristan Roberts, crowned the IBC Bodyboarding World Champion last year, started this year’s tour on a high note when he won the first competition, at Antofagasta Chile, on Sunday. “As an athlete I devote my life to this sport,” he wrote on his Facebook page. “Day in, day out. I am a true believer in hard work paying off. It always does, eventually. “I do believe the day I cannot dedicate 100% of myself to this sport as I do now is the day I walk...