Media Release: Garden Route reflects on 2025/26 tourism dynamics
For immediate release 21 April 2026
The Garden Route tourism sector has rebounded strongly after the COVID-19 downturn, with 2025/26 figures showing growth beyond pre-pandemic levels in both domestic and international markets. This recovery highlights renewed confidence in one of South Africa’s premier nature-based destinations.
Despite rising travel costs linked to global instability and fuel prices, regional tourism is expected to remain resilient. International arrivals, particularly from Europe are increasing, drawn by the Garden Route’s strong value-for-money offering and unique experiences.
The Port of Mossel Bay.
“The tourism industry is one of the top contributors to the regional economy, supporting jobs and growth,” says Cobus Meiring of the Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF). “Strategic investments, including upgrades to George Airport and developments around the Port of Mossel Bay, are strengthening the sector’s long-term potential.”
George Airport.
Central to this growth is the region’s natural environment. Indigenous forests, fynbos, and coastal ecosystems underpin a wide range of outdoor activities, from hiking and mountain biking to golf and paragliding. The environment remains the foundation of the Garden Route’s global appeal.
However, sustaining tourism growth will require a stronger focus on environmental protection. Safeguarding biodiversity and advancing the green economy are essential to long-term success.
Climate change is intensifying risks such as drought, flooding, severe storms and wildfires, placing pressure on both infrastructure and ecosystems. Addressing these challenges demands coordinated action from government, the private sector and civil society.
As a climate change think tank, GREF continues to promote sustainable development to ensure the Garden Route’s environment and its tourism economy endures.
The Garden Route Environmental Forum (GREF) is a public platform for environmental managers and a climate change think tank.(www.grefecsf.co.za).
Feature Image: Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism represented at the World Travel Market.
Media Release: Garden Route Safety Summit Strengthening and Enhancing District Safety and Crime Prevention
21 April 2026
The annual Garden Route Safety Summit took place at the Garden Route District SAPS offices on 17 April, bringing together Mayors, senior management, Provincial Oversight Committees (POCs), SAPS, Law Enforcement, Safe Schools, and representatives from the Departments of Education, Social Development, Correctional Services and Department of Agriculture.
This summit aims to support planning with local municipalities for the 2026/27 business safety plan, while also reflecting on the successes and challenges of the past year. It further provides a platform for consultations to strengthen community dialogues and key programmes such as the:
Thembalethu Area-Based Team (ATB);
16 Days of Activism campaign;
District Safety Summits;
law enforcement coordination;
Community Policing Forum (CPF) training; and
among others.
In a brief welcoming address, GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Marais Kruger, officially opened the gathering and highlighted that the summit forms part of the broader Safety Implementation Business Plan for 2026/2027 and is supported by a R1 million Whole-of-Society Approach (WOSA) investment by the Western Cape Provincial Government. “This approach strengthens partnerships between government, law enforcement, and communities, ensuring improved coordination and a more integrated response to safety challenges,” Mayor Kruger said.
Mayor Marais Kruger during his remarks said a grant of R1 million Whole-of-Society Approach (WOSA) investment was again provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government.
The programme was directed by the Member of the Mayoral Committee and Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services, Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard.
Major General Cetyana, SAPS District Commander, presented a comprehensive overview of the Garden Route District’s nine-month crime statistics, including the district’s safety response and ongoing interventions aimed at combating crime. He also provided an update on the status of police stations and satellite stations in the Garden Route District identified for upgrades, including those in Kwanonqaba, Kwanokuthula, Dysseldorp, Sedgefield, and Herbertsdale.
Cetyana provided a breakdown of the 17 community-reported serious crimes, the root causes of these crimes, and the successes achieved during the period from 1 April to 31 December 2025. He concluded with an overview of current interventions aimed at addressing and reducing crime, and acknowledged the collaboration between the Garden Route District South African Police Service and all agencies within the Security Cluster, including Community Police Forums, Farm Watches, Neighbourhood Watches, Community in Blue, private security, as well as district and local municipalities, which contributed to the results achieved. “The concerted efforts of all parties involved will most definitely ensure that the Garden Route District experiences a reduction and stabilisation in crime, ultimately creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors to our district,” he said.
Major General Cetyana presenting an overview of the Garden Route District’s nine-month crime statistics.
Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety representative, Vuyani Mbaqa, presented on the Western Cape Safety Plan 2025–2030.
Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety representative, Vuyani Mbaqa, presented on the Western Cape Safety Plan for 2025–2030. He unpacked the vision and impact statement of the Western Cape Government, stating: “The impact that the Western Cape Safety Plan aims to achieve is to ensure that the Western Cape is a resilient and safe society.” Mbaqa commended GRDM for being the only district municipality in the Western Cape to comply with the Western Cape Business Plan.
Gail Bekeer, Senior Secretary and Administrator for District Safety, provided feedback on the Garden Route Business Plan for 2025/2026 and reflected on the successes of the past year. She also reported on funds allocated to the various local municipalities and consultations undertaken to facilitate community dialogues.
Gail Bekeer presented on behalf of the GRDM Safety Forum.
Stakeholders from various municipalities and external organisations who attended the Annual Garden Route Safety Summit.
The second segment of the summit comprised a question-and-answer session based on the presentations delivered. This session was highly interactive and generated robust discussion among participants. One proposal was that all municipalities within the district should adopt standardised by-laws to more effectively combat crime.
The representative from the Department of Education expressed appreciation to the GRDM for including the department as a stakeholder, noting that by pooling resources, they can add value to, among others, the School Safety Project.
Featured image: Alderman Marias Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor), Vuyani Mbaqa (Western Cape Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety), Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard (Portfolio Chairperson: Community Services), and Major General Cetyana (Garden Route SAPS).
Media Release: Progress Update on the GRDM Regional Waste Management Facility Construction
Update 1
21 April 2026
After the termination of the contract with the previous contractor on 05 March 2025 due to poor performance, GRDM re-advertised a new tender (Tender No. GRDM/27/24/-25) for the construction of Phase 1 of the facility. Civils 2000 (Pty) Ltd was subsequently appointed at a contract value of R109 million.
The project site was officially handed over to Civils 2000 on 11 February 2026, with site establishment commencing on 16 February 2026. Construction is currently in full swing, with the contractor progressing according to the pre-approved programme. The anticipated completion date for Phase 1 is 24 February 2027. Upon completion, GRDM will be required to obtain the necessary approvals from licensing authorities before waste disposal operations can commence.
Phase 1 focuses on the development of the minimum required infrastructure to enable the commencement of waste disposal. In the interim, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment has approved a further height extension of the PetroSA landfill site, allowing for continued waste disposal while construction is underway.
Phase 2 of the project will be advertised on tender at a later stage and will include the appointment of new consulting engineers and a contractor for the construction of Cell 1B (domestic waste cell). The construction of a hazardous waste cell and associated infrastructure is also still considered to be part of Phase 2 of the project.
GRDM has noted a significant increase in waste disposal volumes generated by participating municipalities. Given the high costs associated with developing landfill sites, residents are encouraged to actively reduce waste by participating in local municipalities source separation and recycling programmes.
A monthly update will be provided about the progress of the project to ensure that the media and residents remain updated about milestones achieved.
Featured Image and above: Activities currently underway at the Regional Landfill Waste Management Facility.
350 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (UNEMPLOYED) Process Control Skills Programme NQF Level 5 (3-months)
For Hessequa, Mossel Bay, George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Kannaland
Some of the criteria include:
30% not previously employed
70% must have contributed to UIF
Ages 18 – 59
Male and female
Closing date: 24April 2026
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk.
Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
450 TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES (UNEMPLOYED) Quality Management Systems (QMS), NQF Level 5 (6-months)
ForHessequa,MosselBay,George, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Bitou and Kannaland
Some of the criteria include:
30% not previously employed
Ages 18 to 59, Male and female
70% must have contributed to UIF
Closing date: 24April 2026
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants must register and apply using the online RED BUTTON (Unemployment Solutions) on the Garden Route Skills Mecca Web site at https://skillsmecca.gardenroute.gov.za/ or browse to this shortlink: https://tinyurl.com/34unespk.
Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from Kannaland rural areas (Zoar, Ladismith, Calitzdorp and Van Wyksdorp).
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.
Closing Date: 22 April 2026
Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned Kannaland rural areas:
Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Code B and C Driver’s License Training Opportunities for employed and unemployed persons from rural parts of George (Uniondale, Haarlem, Avontuur, Waboomskraal, Touwsranten, Hoekwil, Kleinkrants and Noll)
Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) invites employed and unemployed persons between ages of 18 to 40, male or female residing within the Garden Route District Municipal area, to apply for an opportunity to be trained for a Drivers License Code B and C as part of a Garden Route Skills Mecca initiative.
Closing Date: 22 April 2026
Opportunities are currently available within the above mentioned George rural areas:
Those unable to access the website, can apply by printing this application form https://tinyurl.com/28m8vxnt and submitting it to the address listed.
For any enquiries, do not hesitate to contact Nolwando Sambokwe at 044 803 1345 or e-mail nolwando@gardenroute.gov.za, or Sisanda Sajini at 044 803 1450 or e-mail sisandas@gardenroute.gov.za during office hours only.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Should candidates not be contacted within two months of the closing date, they must consider their application as unsuccessful.
Notice of a Council Meeting on 28 April 2026 at 13:00
Notice Number: 41/2026
Notice is hereby given that a COUNCIL MEETING of the Garden Route District Municipality will be held at the CA Robertson Council Chambers and via Zoom, 54 York Street, George, on 28 April 2026 at 13:00.
Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality and Eden Sport Council to host the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba
For immediate release 14 April 2026
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) in collaboration with the Eden Sport Council, including sports federations and local municipalities in the district, are gearing up to host the first ever Sports Indaba within the Western Cape, on 23 April 2026.
The Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba will be attended by representatives from the Western Cape Provincial Government’s (WCG) Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport led by Minister Ricardo Mackenzie, Executive Mayors and representatives from the Eden Sport Council including sports federations, as well as sport representatives at local municipal level in the district.
The purpose of the event will be to inclusively address ongoing efforts to strengthen collaboration and improve sport structures across the district. The programme will also focus on how:
the role of municipalities in sport development can be strengthened;
access to and maintenance of sport facilities can be improved; and
opportunities to position the region as a leading sport tourism destination, can be explored.
Developing a clear and shared understanding of roles and responsibilities among all sport stakeholders operating within the district, is thus a vital focal point as these aspects will be addressed.
Other key focus areas for discussion at the event will include:
Custodianship of Sport – who holds the responsibility for sport at municipal and district level, and how this role is
exercised in practice.
Role of Municipalities in Sport Development – how municipalities can support federations, clubs, and athletes through programmes, partnerships, and policy implementation.
Infrastructure, Facilities and Development – ensuring access to quality facilities, maintenance of infrastructure, and long-term planning for sport development.
Sport Tourism and Major Events – opportunities to position the Garden Route district as a hub for sport tourism and major events.
Funding and Resource Support – available funding streams, support mechanisms, and opportunities for financial sustainability within sport structures.
Municipal Sport Council Structures and Jurisdiction – the structure, legitimacy, and operational boundaries of municipal sport councils within the district.
The event will take place at the Council Chambers of GRDM, starting from 10:00 and it will include approximately 80 delegates in hybrid format.
Through constructive dialogue and shared understanding, stakeholders aim to position themselves to better serve federations, local councils, and athletes, while fostering stronger partnerships together with municipal stakeholders.
Photo caption: Ready for the Eden/Garden Route Inaugural Municipal Sports Indaba are (fltr): Zelda van Staden (Eden Sport Council Secretary), Ald. Marais Kruger (GRDM Executive Mayor) and Desmond Speelman (Eden Sport Council Chairperson).
Media Release: Garden Route & Klein Karoo well represented at the World Travel Market Africa 2026
For immediate release 13 April 2026
The World Travel Market (WTM) Africa 2026 officially kicked off today in Cape Town where teams from the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Regional Tourism Offices (RTOs) and Local Tourism Offices (LTOs) are in attendance to represent the entire region.
The event is taking place until 15 April at the Mother City’s well-known International Convention Centre.
Ald. James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, overseeing tourism, investment, and business development, visiting the stalls of GR&KK at the WTM Africa 2026. (Left and right) Ald. Vos in discussions with GR&KK’s Tourism Intern, Reatile Mathabathe and (middle) Ald. Vos with the Iconic Mossel Bay team at the event.
The WTM Africa is the continent’s premier travel and tourism trade show, connecting over 6,000 international buyers, media, and industry leaders. The presence of the various local tourism officials and other stakeholders, is to ensure the region is showcased on a global stage, strengthening the regional and local brands, building long-lasting and meaningful partnerships, and driving new tourism opportunities.
The region is exhibiting at a 90m² exhibition space, which can be found at stand M02 at the CTICC (Main Exhibition Hall).
The following representatives from across the region are present, including:
Hessequa Tourism with partners like Inverroche Distillery and Gourikwa Coastal Nature Reserve.
Mossel Bay Tourism alongside Cape Saint Blaize, Global Blessing Solutions and Masambe Tours.
Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism with attractions such as Cango Caves, Safari Ostrich Farm, Cango Wildlife Ranch, De Zeekoe Guest Farm and Surval Boutique Olive Estate.
George, Wilderness & Uniondale Tourism with Redberry Farm.
Plett Tourism with Offshore Adventures and Athina’s Cove.
Visit Knysna with Lithemba Crafts & Tours.
The mission is clear: to increase tours and trips to the Garden Route & Klein Karoo, strengthen international networks, and showcase the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and hospitality.
During a walkabout as part of day 1 (today) at the event, Ald. James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, overseeing tourism, investment, and business development, visited the team and commended them for their “excellent marketing initiatives and team work while promoting the region as a whole”.
Members of the public or investors are invited to visit the stand (M02), where they will have the opportunity to experience the region’s work firsthand and also engage with representatives. Alternatively, follow the Facebook page Garden Route & Klein Karoo Tourism or visit www.visitgardenrouteandkleinkaroo.com to stay informed, receive the latest updates, and ensure that you do not miss any highlights or announcements.
