Wesgro celebrated the Tourism Month and welcomed the visit of Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism of Western Cape – Dr. Ivan Meyer. The Minister was invited to the K3, which is the world’s longest zipline and is located in the Overberg region.
Reportedly, the K3 zipline spans three kms. It descended from the peak in the Caledon Mountains to farmland below, that offers breath-taking panoramic views of the green and yellow hills of Overberg and the distant mountain ranges.
Previously, this year, Wesgro released a report that showcased the real potential of Western Cape to become a global hub for adventure tourism. It is a niche that is expected to reach a value of $4.6 trillion by the year 2032.
Travel Trade Association (TTA) defined that the adventure tourism involves activities which combine the physical challenges, natural environments and cultural experiences. The growing tourism industry or market appeals to thrill-seekers who are drawn to activities such as water sports, caving, climbing, skydiving and ziplining.
Adventure tourism growth represents a significant opportunity for economic growth and job creation in the Western Cape region.
Tourism Month
Tourism Month in South Africa is celebrated every year in the month September, that showcases the diverse tourism offerings and emphasises the vital role of tourism in the economy.
It also promotes the domestic travel, as the Tourism Month festivities are held throughout the country and highlight the plethora of tourism offers in the nine provinces.
The festivities mainly provide a platform for the sector to share its affordable travel deals to inspire South Africans in order to explore the entire country from the coastal regions to small towns, villages and dorpies.
World Tourism Day (WTD) is also celebrated globally on September-27, as declared by the United Nations Tourism. The day considers the global tourism community an opportunity to reflect and commemorate its milestones in relation to the fulfilment of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The 2024 World Tourism Day is scheduled to celebrate in the Northern Cape Province, under the theme “Tourism and Peace – 30 years of connecting People to Places and Cultures”. The event will be a celebration of the diverse cultural and historical heritage that continues to foster peace in South Africa, making the country a preferred holiday destination.