Cape Town: Wesgro launched a new suite of digital resources known as ‘Playbooks’ on September 02, 2024 for Tourism Month. These Playbooks feature itineraries, maps, images, videos and blogs, highlighting iconic visitor experiences in Cape Town and the Western Cape. They are designed to enhance the marketing of the regions, to make them as a top travel destination.
Reportedly, the free resources can be used by the tourism industry to promote the region’s diverse attractions to local and international audiences. These are developed to address post-pandemic challenges.
The Playbooks provide easy access, packaged information, making them more valuable for the rapidly evolving industry, especially for new operators. It aims to close the knowledge gap and highlight the region’s unique experiences. Tourism is a key economic driver for Cape Town and the Western Cape, contributing around 10% to the GDP of region.
As the industry evolves rapidly, its objective is to provide detailed information and enhance the understanding of the destination’s unique experiences.
The Playbooks are organised around key themes, such as Gastronomy which will showcase unique culinary traditions and local dishes, Golf, Halal Tourism and Sustainability. The themes, aligned with the Western Cape Government’s Tourism Blueprint, are designed specially to highlight the region’s strengths and provide the tourism sector with ready-to-use content that streamlines marketing efforts.
Tourism plays a major role in the economy of Cape Town and the Western Cape. It contributes approximately 10% to the region’s GDP. The area is well known for its diverse attractions, including pristine beaches, iconic landmarks, world-class wine regions and vibrant cultural festivals, which makes it a highly sought-after destination for both domestic and international travellers.
According to the CEO of Wesgro – Wrenelle Stander, the introduction of the Playbooks is a strategic move to strengthen the sector, ensuring that it remains competitive in the global market by equipping industry professionals with the tools they need to effectively promote the region,
Stander stressed the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in promoting the region. “We believe that effective marketing of Cape Town and the Western Cape actually requires strong partnerships with the private tourism sector,” said the CEO.
He added, “Our destination Playbooks and trade toolkits are designed to boost the visibility of our region’s unique offerings, bridge the skills gap, and make marketing efforts more efficient. By providing these easily accessible digital assets, we aim to strengthen our tourism industry and maximise its economic impact.”
Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism of Western Cape – Dr. Ivan Meyer, highlighted the importance of embracing digital tools in today’s competitive tourism landscape.
He said, “Tourism is the lifeblood of Cape Town and the Western Cape, driving economic growth and showcasing our rich cultural and natural heritage. To reach the global audience and stay competitive, we must leverage the digital media.”
“The Playbooks will not only enhance the visitor experience but also ensure that our region remains a key player in the global tourism industry, attracting more travellers and supporting sustainable growth,” mention Meyer.