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