Cape Town celebrates Tourism Day following the theme of ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation’. MMC for Economic Growth and Tourism – Alderman James Vos joined Cape Town Businesses in celebrating their latest ventures centred on people and planet.
Reportedly, the recent week saw the launch of the first commercial fully electric boats at the V&A Waterfront that was unveiled by City Sightseeing Cape Town. The eco-friendly ride seats 32 passengers.
Alderman James Vos further stated that the natural beauty of Cape Town has always been one of the main features of the destination that they are offering. By using these products such as these electric boats, the local industry players are ensuring a smaller carbon footprint. They are helping the Mother City in maintaining its standout natural features.
Vos also visited the Cape Point E-Bike Tours, which is a new business near the entrance to the famous national park. Cape Point E-Bike Tours takes visitors on guided rides through one of the South Africa’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The visitors can use Wow e-Bikes made in Paternoster. The guests here can choose from four set tours or request a customised ride, which all are accompanied by two experienced guides.
Considering this James Vos said that visitors here get to safely experience some of the world’s most exquisite places. Here they get the e-Bikes which accommodate all fitness levels by making these experiences accessible to more people.
The commitment made by the City of Cape Town, is creating a more sustainable destination which is evident in its own venues.
Notably, the Strategic Assets Department has embarked on a drive to ensure that the signature venues of the City of Cape Town, such as City Hall, Athlone Stadium, and the Desmond and Leah Tutu House, all are maintaining sustainability on priority. They are using energy-efficient lighting and minimal potable water.
Meanwhile, Green Point Urban Park features a Dome Education Classroom and Experiential Education Garden. The dome’s design is a reference collected from the dwellings of the Khoi and is a tribute to their heritage as a First Nations group.
It is the first mass timber dome ever to be built in South Africa, and internationally it is the first three-dimensional mass timber dome of its kind. Mass timber is the newest and greenest system of carbon-conscious construction in the world today.
Alderman Vos ensures that sustainability is at the heart of their destination and is not just about ticking a box. It’s a commitment, that promises to create a city that is not only captivating for visitors but also enriching for those who call Cape Town home.
According to Vos, through the City of Cape Town’s Tourism Development Framework, they are placing a high premium on responsible tourism because they want Cape Town to be a future-fit destination. Helping tourism businesses going green ensures longevity, resilience, and sustainability, which ultimately creates more economic opportunities and jobs in the visitor economy. Growing tourism with long, green legs mean the industry can survive, prosper, and benefit the communities for generations to come.