South Africa’s hospitality and tourism industry faces a myriad of challenges.  But there is one battle we should never have to fight: having to persuade the authorities to obey South Africa’s own water laws.

Yet increasingly, that is exactly what communities and businesses are forced to do.

The National Water Act is clear. Section 19 places a duty on those responsible for pollution to take reasonable measures to prevent it from occurring, continuing or recurring.  Section 151 goes further: it is a criminal offence to unlawfully and intentionally or negligently, through an act or omission, pollute or be likely to pollute a water resource.

That word omission is important.  Allowing known sewage infrastructure failures to continue polluting our rivers cannot simply become accepted as another municipal service-delivery problem.  It is simply a criminal offence.

We are told to save water.  Government must do the same.

South Africans are continually reminded that we live in a water-scarce country.  We are urged to conserve every precious drop.  Money is spent on campaigns telling citizens to save water, while reported municipal leaks can continue for weeks, months and sometimes years. 

At the same time, failing sewerage infrastructure is allowed to discharge raw sewage into the very rivers and dams containing the water we are being told to protect.

You cannot ask citizens to save water with one hand while allowing it to be wasted and polluted with the other. 

For South Africa’s inland waterfront tourism industry, the pollution consequences are particularly serious.  Our rivers and dams should be enormous secondary economic assets.  Waterfront hotels, restaurants, resorts, lodges, boat building and boat sales, and recreational facilities have the potential to create thousands more jobs and attract substantial private investment.

When raw sewage enters a dam or river, environmental damage quickly becomes economic damage. Tourism suffers.  Investment is discouraged.  Existing jobs are threatened and potential new jobs are never created.

And the damage compounds.

Sewage carries high nutrient loads, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.  This nutrient enrichment accelerates eutrophication and creates conditions in which invasive aquatic plants such as water hyacinth and water lettuce can proliferate rapidly.  So the consequences of failing sanitation infrastructure do not end when sewage enters the water.  The resulting nutrient pollution can turn already compromised waterways into masses of invasive vegetation –  degrading ecosystems, further restricting boating and recreation, and making waterfront tourism businesses even more difficult to operate viably.

And then comes another, deeply painful blow: the social-media attacks telling people to stay away and comments like “go there if you like driving your boat in human waste – go for it” and other damaging comments.  For operators already fighting every day to survive on a waterway contaminated through no fault of their own, those words hurt and cause damage – and they cost jobs.

What is often unseen behind those headlines is the extraordinary passion of these river and dam communities.  Locals, businesses and NGOs give countless hours and their own money to report spills, fight invasive plants, engage authorities and pursue legal action.

These river and dam communities choose to be part of the solution – criticism does not clean the water.  They are fighting for waterways they love, businesses they have built and, most importantly, the livelihoods of the people they employ.  So please, support those trying to hold on and make a difference.  If you are angry – and you should be – direct that anger at the authorities allowing sewage to enter our waterways, not at the tourism businesses fighting to survive despite it.  Right now, these dam and river communities need support – far more than they need damaging and very hurtful social media comments.

Instead of expanding, employing more people and contributing to economic growth, waterfront operators are spending extraordinary amounts of time trying to protect the natural resource upon which their businesses depend.  In a country desperate for economic growth and employment, this makes no sense.

Why must NGOs make government obey government’s laws?

Perhaps the greatest irony is that when repeated engagement fails, citizens increasingly have to turn to NGOs and NPOs for help to compel public authorities to do what legislation already requires them to do.

Citizens are effectively having to seek protection from pollution by asking the courts to make organs of state comply with laws created by the state itself.

That should concern every South African.

We do not need more legislation. We already have legislation. We need implementation.

Failed sewer pump stations, leaking pipelines and overloaded wastewater treatment works require competent technical management, preventative maintenance and rapid intervention.

But when authorities know infrastructure is failing and pollution continues unabated, an engineering problem becomes a governance and accountability problem.  South Africans understand that ageing infrastructure cannot be rebuilt overnight. What we cannot accept is chronic sewage pollution and water wastage becoming normalised.

Government does not need another campaign telling South Africans that water is precious.

We know it is.

Now demonstrate that you know it too.

Fix the infrastructure.  Stop the pollution.  Enforce the law – regardless of whether the polluter is a private company, an individual or an organ of state.

Protect our waterways. Protect our tourism industry. Protect the jobs they create.

South Africans should not need NGOs and courts to force authorities to obey their own laws.

Authorities, please walk the talk.

The resort will reopen on November 1, 2027, with an upgraded lobby, new signature dining experiences including the new Beach Rouge and EAST restaurants, as well as refreshed guestrooms and public spaces. 

The reopening will take place in phases, with the resort launching seven new villas on February 1, 2028.

For upcoming reservations that fall within the closure period, TLC Vacations will facilitate a relocation to another resort within the LUX* portfolio on the island.

For an island so small and remote, St Helena has played host to a remarkably large number of influential figures throughout its history. Some visitors are remembered for their positive contributions to the world, while others are perhaps more infamous than famous.

As part of the UK Government funded Tourism Development Programme, an interpretative art installation titled A Walk Through History has been installed to showcase some of the island’s notable visitors.  The installation features an initial 28 plaques commemorating internationally significant figures who have visited St Helena since its discovery. 

Set along one of Jamestown’s most historic areas, the walk presents St Helena’s rich and varied past in chronological order, allowing visitors to experience its story as they move through the space.

To complement the plaques, and to encourage a relaxing feel, the area has been beautified with trellised seating and planters.

Location and Site Description

The Castle Terrace wall in Jamestown has been identified as the ideal setting for the installation. This important heritage structure has been underutilised in recent years and, at times, affected by antisocial behaviour, particularly at night.

By introducing a prominent visitor attraction, the project aims to increase positive foot traffic and encourage greater use of the area. Enhanced lighting will further improve safety and security.

The Walk also strengthens links between key nearby attractions, improving access from the Wharf to Castle Gardens and surrounding businesses. The site is sheltered from extreme weather, pedestrian-friendly, and restricted to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.

Importantly, there are no entrance barriers, allowing both residents and visitors to enjoy the installation at any time.

The Dolphin Stone

Beautification efforts extend beyond the Terrace. Near the Castle arch lies the Dolphin Stone Garden, a small but historically significant space that is often over-looked.

Recent improvements have gently enhanced the garden, drawing attention to the remarkable story of the Dolphin Stone itself. At the centre is a stone inscribed in 1645 by the crew of the British ship Dolphin during their voyage to Europe. At that time, St Helena served as a mid-Atlantic crossroads for ships of all nations.

Long before the first official Post Office in 1815, this stone acted as a simple but effective postal exchange. Sailors would leave letters beneath it or at the island chapel, trusting that other vessels would collect and deliver them to their final destination.

To further highlight this unique feature, a discreet spotlight will be installed, allowing the historic inscription to be clearly seen and appreciate after dark.

While the garden is small, it is a meaningful place of connection that represents the island’s global maritime past. It enhancement reflects the importance of preserving St Helena’s heritage, ensuring that these stories are not lost over time. By continuing to care for and thoughtfully develop such sites, renewed awareness and appreciation of the island’s history can be fostered.

Repainting of the Church Lane Arch

The repainting of the Church Lane Arch forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance the visual character of Jamestown while celebrating its historic layout. Leading into Church Lane, a traditional rear access route behind St James’ Church, the arch marks an area that once played an important role in the town’s day-to-day life. Enhancements like this help present Jamestown as a place that values both its heritage and its appearance, creating a more inviting and visually appealing environment.

St Helena Tourism is confident that the community will take pride in and help protect these shared spaces for everyone to enjoy.

– The Official Grand Opening for Guests Took Place on Sept. 4, 2026, When Norwegian Luna^TM Called to NCL’s Private Island –

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the industry leader in delivering freedom and choice in experiences with uncompromising hospitality, hosted government officials, travel partners, media, more than 100 content creators and special guests  for an exclusive preview of Great Tides Waterpark on Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s 270-acre private island destination in The Bahamas.

Ahead of its Sept. 4, 2026 grand opening, the exclusive event gave attendees a first look at the destination’s newest landmark, including thrilling attractions, new culinary offerings and special activations from NCL’s beverage partners – Aperol^®, Coca-Cola^®, Casamigos^™ and Hampton Water^®.

“Great Tides Waterpark represents an exciting new chapter for Great Stirrup Cay and a defining moment for Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “With our official grand opening just days away on Sept. 4, this event offered a preview of the adventure, flexibility and family fun that awaits our guests. From the 170-foot Tidal Tower and first-of-its-kind slides to the immersive Wandering River, industry-first cliff jumps and interactive splash zones, every element has been thoughtfully designed to create an unforgettable island day for guests of all ages. Combined with the incredible experiences across Great Stirrup Cay, the destination offers families the freedom to enjoy the ultimate vacation day, where no one has to compromise and everyone gets the adventure or relaxation they want.”

Beginning with the ceremonial ribbon cutting, invitees heard from John Chidsey, President and Chief Executive Officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.; Marc Kazlauskas, President of Norwegian Cruise Line; Herschel Walker, United States Ambassador to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Randy Rolle Member of Parliament of Bimini and the Berry Islands.

Following the ceremony, the gates opened for invited guests, including NHL star Taylor Hall of the Carolina Hurricanes and Josh Peck, multi-talented actor, bestselling author and podcast host and creator, to explore the nearly six-acre Great Tides Waterpark and experience many of its signature, and industry-first, attractions firsthand. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed a variety of curated experiences across Great Tides Waterpark, including partner-hosted hospitality experiences and opportunities to discover the island’s newest offerings.

Highlights from the preview event included:

• Signature partner activations featuring specialty cocktails, beverage tastings, branded giveaways and photo opportunities from Aperol at the Grotto Bar, Casamigos at Floataway Bar along the Wandering River, Coca-Cola by Splash Cay and Hampton Water near Tidal Tower. These experiences will also be available to guests during the official grand opening celebration on Sept. 4, 2026.
• A culinary showcase of Great Tides Waterpark’s newest dining venues featured samples from three new food trucks: barbecue at Low Tide Smoke, seafood favourites at Catch of the Cay and handcrafted ice cream and soft serve at Tidal Treats.
• A vibrant Junkanoo performance celebrated the culture, music and spirit of The Bahamas, bringing colorful energy to the day’s festivities.

At Great Tides Waterpark, one-of-a-kind experiences are available throughout four main areas:

• Tidal Tower, the iconic centerpiece standing at 170-feet tall, featuring eight exhilarating slides including the Tropic Spiral – the first Nautilus slide in the world with large spirals that spin guests into thrilling different directions; the Breakwater Blasters, the industry-first dueling Master Blaster slides in the Caribbean which propel inner-tubes uphill and through steep drops and twists with high-pressure water jets, and many more.
• Cliffside Cove, featuring Cliffside Leap, the industry’s first-ever, and the Caribbean’s tallest cliff jumps, at 10 and 15 feet high; The Great Slide, the Caribbean’s only family slide where four guests can slide down together for an adrenaline rush; and The Fearless Falls slides dropping riders down from five feet above the water.   
• Wandering River, a dynamic river over 800 feet long, features the industry’s first immersive tunnel and swim-up bar, Floataway Bar, alongside the river.  
• Splash Cay, offering over 9,000 square feet of family fun with an oversized tipping bucket holding 300 gallons of water, eight mini-slides and interactive water features.  

The opening of Great Tides Waterpark represents one of the most significant enhancements in Norwegian Cruise Line’s ongoing investment in Great Stirrup Cay. With the recent additions, the new waterpark expands the breadth of experiences available to guests while further strengthening Great Stirrup Cay’s position as a leading private island destination in the Caribbean.

Apart from the new waterpark attraction, the grand 270-acre Great Stirrup Cay offers a breadth of amenities for families, couples, solo travellers and everyone in between for their dream island day. The new Great Life Lagoon, an expansive pool area, offers two swim-up bars, private cabanas and an abundance of complimentary loungers and umbrellas, while Splash Harbor provides families with a fun and complimentary splash pad just steps away from the pool and nearby refreshments. Guests searching for elevated experiences can choose to purchase a day pass for the adults-only Vibe Shore Club featuring premium loungers, cabanas and a dedicated bar; or they can opt to enjoy the great life at Silver Cove by renting a premium air-conditioned villa, booking a day pass or reserving a spa treatment at the Silver Cove Spa. The spacious island invites guests to create their ideal day in paradise, whether relaxing on pristine white-sand beaches with complimentary loungers, diving into adventure with snorkeling gear and paddle boards available to rent, or booking an excursion to zipline from the island’s iconic Flighthouse.

Travellers can visit Great Stirrup Cay year-round, with voyages sailing seasonally from convenient homeports including New York and Philadelphia as well as Florida ports in Miami, Tampa, Orlando (Port Canaveral) and Jacksonville.

Guests may purchase a pass to Great Tides Waterpark by logging into their myNCL account after completing their cruise reservation.

Disruption has become a standard feature of modern travel rather than an exception.

“55% of South African travel intenders cited flight delays and cancellations as their biggest frustration in Flight Centre’s 2025 global PR survey, and checked baggage can often make the situation worse,” says Zay Ferguson-Nair, Flight Centre South Africa’s Customer Experience Manager.

“The financial incentives to check a bag are disappearing fast, too – airlines globally raked in $148.4 billion in ancillary revenue last year, a 26% year-on-year surge, with checked luggage fees doing a significant share of that heavy lifting. Never mind the fact that over 24 million checked bags were either lost, damaged, or delayed in 2025.”

Carry-on only used to be something backpackers did, but travel experts now agree it’s the smartest thing any traveller can do. Here’s everything you need to know to get it right.

First, the rules that changed in 2026

Here’s what’s new:

Power banks and spare batteries

You are now limited to a maximum of two spare power banks or loose lithium batteries per person. They are strictly banned in checked luggage and must be kept in the seat pocket or in a bag under the seat in front of you to prevent hidden fire risks in overhead bins. And critically, you are no longer permitted to recharge your power bank or charge a device using a power bank while on board the aircraft.

The watt-hour rules

This is where most travellers get caught out. Check the watt-hour (Wh) rating on your devices before you pack:

• Under 100Wh: No restrictions. This covers most phones, tablets, and standard laptop batteries.
• 101Wh to 160Wh: You’ll need express approval from your airline before you travel. This typically applies to larger professional camera batteries and some medical devices.
• Over 160Wh: Banned on passenger aircraft entirely. No exceptions.

How to actually pack two weeks into a carry-on

Instead of planning by day – Monday’s outfit, Tuesday’s outfit – plan by item.

“Every piece you pack should work with at least three other pieces. That single discipline eliminates more dead weight than any compression cube ever will,” advises Ferguson-Nair.

The formula that works

For a two-week trip, a carry-on capsule wardrobe looks roughly like this:

• 4–5 tops
• 2–3 bottoms
• 1 dress or smart outfit if the trip requires it
• 1 light jacket or cardigan
• 2–3 pairs of shoes maximum
• 7–10 pairs of underwear and socks
• Sleepwear, swimwear, and workout gear only if you will actually use them

The key to making this work for two weeks rather than one is a mid-trip laundry wash. Pack a few lightweight laundry detergent sheets (they weigh almost nothing and dissolve in a hotel sink) and plan to wash clothes once around day seven. You’re effectively packing for seven days and wearing everything twice.

And remember, what’s on your body doesn’t count toward your bag weight, so wear your heaviest pair of shoes on the plane, along with your bulkiest jacket and any heavy layers.

The colour palette rule

Stick to three primary colours that all work together. When every top matches every bottom, you multiply your outfit combinations without adding a single item to your bag. A navy, white, and khaki palette, for example, gives you more combinations than a suitcase full of pieces that only work with specific partners.

The gear that makes it possible

Compression packing cubes are worth every cent. They organise your bag while reducing the volume of clothing by squeezing out excess air. Keep one cube strictly for electronics, cables, and documents so you can pull it out at security without unpacking everything else.

“One thing I always tell clients is to pack your backpack or handbag as if it’s the only bag you have. Essentials, one change of clothes, your valuables, your documents. That way, if your carry-on gets gate-checked, you still have everything you need under the seat in front of you,” advises Ferguson-Nair.

Travel light. Move fast. Stay in control.

Packing light used to be a compromise, but in 2026, it truly is a competitive advantage. Thankfully, none of the above is complicated – it just requires intention rather than defaulting to the large suitcase out of habit.

The battery regulations are a five-minute read before your next trip. The capsule wardrobe takes one afternoon to build properly and works indefinitely. The airline allowance research takes ten minutes and can save you a great deal of money.

“The travellers who feel most in control at airports are the ones who made a decision before they left home to not let their luggage make decisions for them. That’s it. That’s the whole secret to stress-free travel,” Ferguson-Nair concludes.

The initiative will centre on strategic skills development, supporting women across the tourism sector to build the confidence, knowledge and networks to grow their careers and contribute to the industry’s future. 

While the global share of tourism and hospitality board seats held by women doubled from 16% in 2013 to 33% in 2025, representation still thins out at the top. A recent World Travel & Tourism Council study shows that they hold just 42% of mid-management positions and only 7% of CEO or chair roles. 

“As demand accelerates globally for inclusive leadership in travel and hospitality, we’re working to ensure that the effective upliftment of women in tourism remains a priority,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism and Sports at RX Africa. 

Voted Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Women in MICE Awards, De Jager believes genuine progress in gender empowerment calls for more than creating leadership opportunities for women. It requires intentional focus on professional development and support to help them succeed when they get there. 

“Women have an enormous role to play in deciding our industry’s future, but leadership is not only about the positions we hold. It is also about having the confidence to use our voices, share our ideas, and recognise the value we bring,” she added. 

Amongst the planned highlights for WiT 2027 is “Empowering Female Leadership in Tourism”, an interactive workshop exploring high-impact topics including strategic decision-making, adaptive leadership, personal and corporate branding, mentorship and networking.  

This dedicated session will follow the Women in MICE Breakfast, welcoming women working across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector and providing a platform to launch new categories for the Women in MICE Awards 2027. Further details will be announced closer to the show.  

This Women’s Month, the message is clear: women already represent one of tourism’s greatest resources. WTM Africa 2027 aims to create more opportunities for them to develop their skills and step forward with the confidence to contribute at every level of the industry. 

According to Zay Ferguson-Nair, Customer Experience Leader at Flight Centre South Africa, the Spanish capital delivers everything its more famous counterparts do, at a comparatively lower price point.

“With its lived-in, breathed-in authenticity, Madrid offers a fresh direction for local travellers seeking an international trip that won’t break the bank. From affordable, multi-course menú del día meals at local restaurants to free entry at various landmarks and museums like the Prado and Reina Sofía during selected hours, there are plenty of ways to experience this city without overspending.”

Add to that world-class festivals, football fever and the Spanish Grand Prix, and it’s easy to see why Madrid deserves the top spot on your European travel wish list.

Eat like a local Madrileño

When King Philip II moved his court to the then sleepy town of Madrid in 1561, the city had to be fed. Vast supply routes across the provinces shaped Madrid into the heart of the Spanish Empire and laid the foundation for its gastronomic heritage.

“Spain’s five-meal-a-day culture is deeply rooted in Madrid, where seasonal ingredients and communal dining remain central traditions that resonate with South Africans,” says Ferguson-Nair.

The city’s markets near Plaza Mayor remain the best way to experience its culinary soul. Start with bocadillo de calamares, Madrid’s iconic fried squid sandwich, then head to Chocolatería San Ginés, the city’s oldest churrería, serving churros and decadent hot chocolate since 1894.

Insider tip: Recognised by Guinness World Records, Madrid’s Sobrino de Botín is the world’s oldest continuously operating restaurant, serving wood-fired suckling pig and classic Castilian flavours since 1725.

Something for the football fans

Madrid is a city of beautiful contradictions, home to three acclaimed art institutions (the Prado Museum, the Reina Sofía, and the Thyssen-Bornemisza), yet equally magnetic for football fans.

“It’s a place where footballs fly off stone walls as children swarm church squares. Madrid’s sports culture captures our South African imagination and love of outdoor games,” says Ferguson-Nair.

La Liga season officially concluded in May, but there are plenty of open parks across the city featuring caged pitches (pistas) where you can catch local games happening organically.

Insider tip: The Santiago Bernabéu’s Real Madrid Museum showcases the club’s sporting legacy year-round.

A rewarding events calendar

Other than football, Madrid’s events calendar delivers the Spanish Grand Prix, running 11–13 September, and JAZZMADRID26, an international jazz festival running through October and November.

“For surf-minded travellers, September to November marks peak swell season along the Basque Country and Cantabria coastlines. It’s just a four-to-five-hour drive or a short domestic flight from Madrid.”

Insider tip: Build an itinerary around one anchor festival and use Madrid’s central location to explore outward from there. The city centre is compact and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to bypass paid transport for short distances.

Book early; travel smart

With the rand remaining sensitive to global currency fluctuations, locking in flights and accommodation early is one of the smartest decisions a South African traveller can make.

“We always encourage travellers to book ahead,” says Ferguson-Nair. “Currency movements can significantly affect what a holiday costs by the time you travel. Getting in early protects your budget and your peace of mind.”

Madrid is ready. The only question is how soon you can get there.

No detail was spared in bringing the theme to life. Guests wandered past a Sami Village pitched in the snow with fires and huskies, sipped shots poured from ice sculptures by Vikings, while tables glowed under atmospheric ice-cube lighting. Face painters worked the crowd and a violinist performed inside a giant bubble… as sponsors clearly pulled out all the stops for a night guests won’t forget in a hurry.

Envoyage South Africa general manager Chantal Gouws reflected on the year gone by in her address to the room. “What I see here tonight is family. It’s a community that has come together and created something so unique and so special, and that is what tonight is all about,” she said. “This has been a massive year for us. We remained focused on our top priorities: retention, growth and technology. Tonight is your night to shine, and every single one of you in this room should be incredibly proud of what you have achieved.”

Special Awards

• Top Land Rep Award – Samantha Bronkhorst and Taryn Lanjopoulos (Beachcomber)
• Top Air Rep Award – Joseph Sithole (Virgin Atlantic)
• Top 3rd Party Supplier – Beachcomber
• Top Land Support Consultant – Donne Gaylard

Envoyage congratulates all its winners and thanks its agents, agencies and partners for another outstanding year.

Home to South Africa’s largest concentration of award-winning restaurants, celebrated wine estates, visionary chefs and artisan producers, Stellenbosch once again invites visitors to experience why it is recognised as the country’s leading food and wine destination.

Some destinations are known for great restaurants. Stellenbosch is something else entirely.

Here, award-winning chefs, passionate winemakers, artisan producers, farmers and welcoming hosts come together to create a destination where every meal tells a story. Whether it is an intimate chef’s table, a long table feast among the vines, an innovative tasting menu or a leisurely brunch that turns into an afternoon, food is not simply something you enjoy. It is how you experience Stellenbosch.

It is this extraordinary concentration of chefs, winemakers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, distillers, olive producers and hospitality experiences, all within minutes of one another, that makes Stellenbosch unlike anywhere else in South Africa. Every meal begins long before it reaches the table, rooted in exceptional local produce, generations of craftsmanship and a culture that celebrates creativity, collaboration and genuine hospitality.

Recognised by the Eat Out Awards, Gourmet Guide and the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Stellenbosch continues to set the benchmark for culinary excellence in South Africa. Home to some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants and wine estates, the destination has earned a reputation for delivering world-class food and wine experiences that are authentic, innovative and deeply connected to place.

“Taste Stellenbosch is more than a celebration of exceptional food and wine. It is a celebration of the people, passion and craftsmanship that have shaped Stellenbosch into South Africa’s leading food and wine destination,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch.

“Every chef, winemaker, farmer, artisan producer and host contributes to a culinary story that is uniquely Stellenbosch. Here, remarkable experiences begin with extraordinary ingredients, are brought to life by talented people and shared around tables that inspire conversation, connection and discovery. Taste Stellenbosch invites visitors to slow down, savour every moment and experience a destination where every meal becomes a lasting memory. We hope every visitor leaves inspired, already planning their return, because the very best way to discover Stellenbosch is one unforgettable meal at a time.”

This year’s programme celebrates the remarkable breadth and diversity of Stellenbosch’s culinary landscape. From intimate chef collaborations and immersive food and wine pairings to vineyard feasts, long table gatherings, heritage dining experiences and menus created exclusively for the season, every experience has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the creativity, generosity and unmistakable sense of place that define South Africa’s leading food and wine destination.

“Taste Stellenbosch is an invitation to experience the extraordinary diversity of our destination,” says Daniel Kriel, Chairman of Taste Stellenbosch.

“Whether it is an intimate chef’s table, a vineyard feast, a long lunch with friends or discovering a hidden culinary gem for the first time, every experience has been thoughtfully created by passionate people who love sharing Stellenbosch. Visitors won’t simply enjoy exceptional food and wine. They’ll discover the warmth, creativity and generosity that make this destination so memorable and leave with every reason to return.”

Highlights of Taste Stellenbosch 2026 include:

• De Warenmarkt’s interactive Test Kitchen and Pinotage & Venison Winemakers’ Dinner with Beyerskloof.

• 96 Winery Road Restaurant’s nostalgic four-course celebration of 30 years of Good Food, Good Wine and Good Times.

• HŌSEKI at Delaire Graff Estate’s Nihon Jūdan, an elegant culinary journey through regional Japanese flavours.

• Muratie Farm Kitchen’s Story Room Experience, where exceptional wines, slow-cooked cuisine and heritage storytelling come together.

• Pink Valley Restaurant’s Pink Drinks & Petite Plates experience, pairing rosé wines with beautifully crafted tasting plates.

• Warwick Wine Estate’s signature gourmet slider and wine pairing.

• Lanzerac’s guided Taste Lanzerac experience and Family Style Sundays.

• Klein Joostenberg Bistro’s spectacular long table farm brunch celebrating seasonal produce, artisan charcuterie, oysters and sparkling wine.

But Taste Stellenbosch doesn’t end at the table.

Some places deserve more than a day

Exceptional seasonal accommodation experiences at boutique guesthouses, luxury hotels, vineyard estates and countryside retreats invite visitors to slow down and stay a little longer. Wake up among the vineyards, linger over another breakfast, discover another cellar, book another table and give yourself the greatest luxury of all: another day to experience the flavours, people and unexpected moments that make Stellenbosch unforgettable.

Because the best meals are never rushed. Neither is Stellenbosch.

Taste Stellenbosch accommodation highlights include:

• 10 Alexander B&B: Stay for two nights and savour a third night free at the #1-rated Tripadvisor B&B in Stellenbosch.

• Rozenburg Guesthouse: Stay within walking distance of Stellenbosch’s historic village centre, top restaurants and wineries, and enjoy 30% off your accommodation.

• Spier Wine Farm: Book two nights or more and receive R1,600 credit to indulge across dining, wine and spa experiences.

Discover the full range of participating accommodation at: taste.visitstellenbosch.org/accommodation/

Come hungry. Leave inspired. Return soon.

Taste Stellenbosch runs from 1 August to 20 September 2026.

Discover the full programme of dining experiences, accommodation packages and seasonal inspiration at: taste.visitstellenbosch.org

Now in its second year, Visit Stellenbosch’s annual Tourism Economic Impact Study provides an evidence-based measure of tourism’s contribution to the local economy. The latest findings show that more than 1.35 million overnight visitors generated R13 billion for Stellenbosch in 2025 while supporting 48,007 direct, indirect and induced jobs across the municipality.

Every day, tourism contributes an estimated R35 million to Stellenbosch’s economy. Behind every visitor is a local story: jobs created, businesses supported, entrepreneurs empowered, and communities strengthened through a thriving visitor economy. These are the lives behind the numbers.

The latest Tourism Economic Impact Study, commissioned by Visit Stellenbosch and independently compiled by Futureneer Advisors, confirms that tourism remains one of Stellenbosch’s most important economic drivers and demonstrates how a shared destination strategy is delivering measurable value for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

The research shows that international overnight arrivals increased by 12% to 641,405 visitors, while domestic overnight tourism grew by an impressive 21% to 711,330 visitors. Together, these figures reinforce Stellenbosch’s position as one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations and demonstrate the growing strength of a balanced, year-round visitor economy.

While direct tourism value added remained stable at R6.3 billion, the sector continued to generate significant economic value despite global economic uncertainty and increasingly cautious consumer spending. The results point to a destination that has moved beyond post-pandemic recovery and into a new phase of resilient, sustainable growth.

A destination strategy delivering measurable results

Tourism success does not happen by chance. It is the result of long-term planning, strategic investment and collaboration between Stellenbosch Municipality, Visit Stellenbosch, the tourism industry, local businesses and communities working towards a shared vision for the destination.

That strategy focuses on growing year-round demand, encouraging longer stays, expanding the geographic spread of visitors across the destination, supporting tourism businesses, promoting inclusive tourism experiences and ensuring that tourism growth benefits local communities.

As one of Stellenbosch Municipality’s two official Destination Management Organisations (DMOs), Visit Stellenbosch goes beyond destination marketing. The organisation grows demand, promotes year-round visitation, supports tourism businesses, builds strategic partnerships, invests in research and market intelligence, measures tourism’s economic contribution and brings stakeholders together to deliver long-term value for Stellenbosch.

The annual Tourism Economic Impact Study is a key part of this work. By measuring tourism’s direct, indirect and induced contribution to the economy, it informs decision-making, demonstrates return on investment, tracks tourism performance and supports long-term destination stewardship.

Tourism that benefits everyone

Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, said the findings demonstrate far more than visitor growth:

“Tourism is one of Stellenbosch’s greatest opportunities to create lasting economic value. Every visitor supports local businesses, creates employment and contributes to stronger communities. That is why destination management matters. Our role is not simply to attract visitors, but to ensure tourism grows sustainably, benefits residents and leaves Stellenbosch stronger for future generations.

“These results show what is possible when research, partnership and long-term thinking come together behind a shared vision.”

A partnership driving destination success

Stellenbosch Mayor, Jeremy Fasser, welcomed the findings and acknowledged the collective effort that continues to position Stellenbosch as one of South Africa’s premier visitor destinations.

“These results demonstrate what can be achieved when Stellenbosch Municipality, Visit Stellenbosch, our tourism industry and local communities work together with a shared vision.

“The Municipality is proud to invest in and partner with Visit Stellenbosch to grow a visitor economy that creates employment, supports local businesses, attracts investment and enhances quality of life for our residents. Together, we are building a destination whose success benefits everyone.”

Setting the benchmark for destination management

The study reinforces Stellenbosch’s strategic importance within the Western Cape tourism economy, attracting approximately 40% of all international visitors to the province.

As destinations across South Africa compete for visitors and investment, Stellenbosch continues to demonstrate the value of collaboration, strategic planning and evidence-led destination management. By combining research, partnership and innovation, the destination is creating a resilient visitor economy that delivers benefits for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

2025 Highlights at a glance:

• R13 billion generated for the local economy

• 48,007 direct, indirect and induced jobs supported

• 1.35 million overnight visitors

• 641,405 international overnight visitors (12% growth)

• 711,330 domestic overnight visitors (21% growth)

• R35 million contributed to the economy every day

• Approximately 40% of the Western Cape’s international visitors choose Stellenbosch

Why we measure the value of tourism

The Value of Tourism is Visit Stellenbosch’s annual economic impact study and forms part of the organisation’s commitment to evidence-based destination management. Independently compiled by Futureneer Advisors using data from Statistics South Africa and South African Tourism, the study measures tourism’s direct, indirect and induced contribution to Stellenbosch’s economy, employment and visitor volumes.

By tracking tourism’s performance year after year, the study provides the insights needed to inform decision-making, guide destination development and demonstrate the value of investing in tourism.

The findings provide a roadmap for the future. Visit Stellenbosch will continue investing in destination marketing, destination development, research, industry support and collaborative partnerships that strengthen the visitor economy while protecting the unique character, cultural heritage and natural environment that make Stellenbosch one of the world’s most desirable destinations.

Great destinations do not happen by chance. They are built through partnership, guided by evidence and inspired by a shared vision.

About Visit Stellenbosch

Visit Stellenbosch is the official destination marketing organisation for Stellenbosch, dedicated to growing sustainable tourism, supporting the local visitor economy and showcasing the region as one of South Africa’s premier wine, food, culture and outdoor destinations.