September is the start of Spring and also Tourism Month, a perfect time to play tourist and discover the beauty and splendour all around us.
Tourism Month is celebrated annually in September to celebrate all South Africa has to offer tourists (and locals) interested in exploring new sights and experiences and also to highlight the tourism sector’s contribution to job creation and the economy.
With the warmer weather and various special offers, such as free entry to certain parks and nature reserves, this is the perfect time to play tourist in your own region.
The Overberg has much to offer visitors, catering for all preferences from boat and land-based whale watching to some of the world’s best wineries, markets offering home-baked goods and handmade products and adventures such as shark cage diving that will get the adrenaline pumping.Top tourist attractions
Figures confirm the Overberg is a top tourist destination, drawing scores of local and international visitors to the region every year.
Richard Bosman, Overberg District Municipality’s Municipal Manager, reports the top tourist attractions in the Overberg – the Harold Porter National Botanical Gardens and Stony Point in Betty’s Bay, Agulhas National Park, Bontebok National Park, the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, De Hoop Nature Reserve, De Mond Nature Reserve, Kogelberg Nature Reserve and the Shipwreck Museum in Bredasdorp – drew a total of 204 981 people between January and December 2022.
“The period highlighted in this report (Jan-Dec 2022) indicates the largest proportion of travellers to the Overberg originated from the domestic market (78,5%), in particular from within the Western Cape (89,2%),” said Bosman.
“The overseas market accounted for 21,5% of visitors over the period, led by Germany, United Kingdom, and France. More than three quarters of visitors travelled to the Overberg for holiday and 13,3% for visiting friends and relatives (VFR).
“Gourmet restaurants/cuisine ranked as the top tourism activity enjoyed in the region, followed by crafts/food markets, scenic drives, outdoor activities and cultural/heritage.”The best the Overberg has to offer
Tourism Month seems like the perfect time to host a Tourism Indaba, and this is exactly what the Overstrand Municipality did.
It kicks off on Wednesday 6 September with a talk by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer. He will share his insightful knowledge on “The value of Agri Tourism” and how it can be unlocked and strengthened.
The indaba will highlight topics such as sustainable-tourism best practice, optimising online booking platforms, traditional versus non-traditional source markets, travel trends, and the value of having accommodation establishments graded.
Other highlights on the Tourism Month calendar include the Nampo Cape Agriculture Show in Bredasdorp from 13 to 16 September and the annual Whale Festival in Hermanus from 29 September to 1 October. Visit www.hermanuswhalefestival.co. za for more information.Free access
Nature lovers can enjoy free access to a number of South African National Parks (SANParks) during the 18th annual SA National Parks Week from 16 to 24 September. For more information on this, visit www.sanparks.org.
CapeNature also invites those wanting to explore the natural beauty of the Overberg to visit a number of nature reserves during Access Week from 13 to 20 September.
Reserves in the Overberg offering free access during this period include Kogelberg, Stony Point, De Mond, De Hoop, Marloth, Grootvadersbosch and Walker Bay.
CapeNature CEO Dr Razeena Omar said: “I encourage all South Africans to spend a day in nature and explore their natural heritage, free of charge (from 13 to 20 September).
“As part of Tourism Month and Heritage Day celebrations, Access Week provides an opportunity for everyone to enjoy our natural spaces and our unique natural heritage.”
Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, which includes Tourism, Mireille Wenger added: “This Tourism Month I encourage our local, domestic as well as international visitors to explore our stunning province because there really is something for everyone in the Western Cape. If you are looking for adventure climbing or cycling, kayaking or paragliding, or slow walks along the beautiful coast, it’s right here in the Western Cape.
“We have so many culinary, heritage and cultural experiences to meaningfully share the rich history and promising future of this province.
“And we can all play our part in growing our economy and growing jobs, by simply enjoying the Western Cape and all it has to offer, for a better tomorrow for all the people of our province.”
So put on your walking shoes, hat and sunscreen and head out to explore the whales, sharks, wine routes, fynbos, birding, golf courses, penguins, mountain biking, hiking trails and adventure activities in our beautiful region.
