West Coast Way introduces innovative route to honour conservation and tourism

West Coast Way, a leading destination marketing company, is excited to announce the launch of ‘your route to nature‘, a celebration of their 10th year promoting the incredible Cape West Coast of South Africa. To mark this milestone, they hosted an event at the scenic Thali Thali Game Lodge on 5 March 2024. The launch event was attended by thought leaders in economic growth, tourism promotion, and long-standing stakeholders who have supported West Coast Way since its inception in 2014.

Showcasing the best of the Cape West Coast of South Africa

Key figures laud West Coast Way for driving economic growth and boosting tourism in the region

The “Find Your Route to Nature with West Coast Way” Event kicked off with the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, congratulating West Coast Way on their pioneering efforts in developing tourism on the West Coast, “It’s great to be able to give a message of encouragement and congratulations – specifically to West Coast Way’s role in developing tourism up the West Coast region. Ten years is not easy to achieve in this day and age. There is only one Weskus in the world, and it is what West Coast Way supports – your gateway to nature – your route to nature!”

Mr Alan Winde – Premier of the Western Cape

“I had the pleasure of working with this iconic brand many times over in the last decade, from cutting the ribbon at their stands at the World Travel Market Africa and opening routes, such as the West Coast Way Foodie and Wild Route. Tourism is an important pillar of economic growth in the Western Cape, especially in regions such as the West Coast. It gives me great confidence to be able to collaborate with brands that truly recognise this sector’s value. West Coast Way is your route to nature and the perfect partner to reveal the unmatched beauty of this region to you and your guests,” stated Alderman James Vos, Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth.

Alderman James Vos – Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth

Event attendees enjoyed hearing from other esteemed speakers like the legendary Tim Hutchinson of DGB Group – recipient of the prestigious Wine Harvest Commemorative Event 1659 Award for Visionary Leadership. “As the West Coast community, we must embrace teamwork, stand together, and speak with one voice,” urged Hutchinson.

In a sit-down interview with Carmen Lerm, Tewie Roos, general manager of Darling Brew and chairman of Swartland Tourism.  added, “It’s crucial to welcome change because it can lead to growth and transformation. On the West Coast, where the sun sets upon our shared dreams, let us open our arms wide and embrace one another’s uniqueness. By growing together, we can illuminate the path towards a brighter, more sustainable future.”

Zubeida Abrahams, of West Coast Way, proudly hands over the Honourary Membership to Miles Masterson and Mike Schlebach of Protect The West Coast

West Coast Way’s new honourary member

“In alignment with our commitment to responsible travel practices and sustainable tourism, West Coast Way is proud to announce our support for Protect The West Coast by awarding them honourary membership. By championing conservation efforts in the Cape West Coast region, we aim to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations,” explained Carmen Lerm and Zubeida Abrahams.

“Protect The West Coast (PTWC) is a Not-For-Profit environmental organisation formed to fight unregulated and destructive mining on the South African Cape West Coast,” explained Mike Schlebach, CEO of Protect The West Coast. “Our vision is a thriving and abundant West Coast that benefits present and future generations. Join us in our fight against the destruction of this pristine, precious, and culturally significant region.“

Unashamedly Weskus

Exploring the West Coast Way unveils a treasure trove of more than 101 nature tourism experiences. With a growing number of loyal clients and visitors, West Coast Way has become a beloved brand in the region. “We are excited to welcome new brands to be a part of our marketing collaborations along the West Coast who share our passion for excellence and commitment to serving the local community along with long-standing clients such as The Lodge at Atlantic Beach, Thali Thali Game Lodge and Darling Brew,” concluded Lerm.

“We are honoured to be part of the West Coast Way family and look forward to contributing to the vibrant tapestry of brands that call this region home. Together, we can create unforgettable experiences and make a positive impact on the West Coast community,” commented Roos.

Tewie Roos, Managing Director Darling Brew and Amalia van Niekerk, Owner of  Thali Thali

“This year, we also celebrate ten years of being one of the Cape West Coast’s premium experiences. It has not always been an easy path, but by the grace of God and the support of our staff and customers, we have persevered. We believe that by offering a personal experience – authentic West Coast hospitality offered by friendly staff members – we convert guests into return customers. When it comes to customer satisfaction, attention to detail is what makes us special,” said Thys and Amalia van Niekerk, owners of Thali Thali Game Lodge.

As West Coast Way enters its 10th year, its commitment to promoting the Cape West Coast as a massive natural attraction will undoubtedly continue to captivate the hearts of South Africans and global adventurers alike.

For more information on West Coast Way and to find your route to nature, visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Instagram and Facebook @WestCoastWaySA.

West Coast Way is Your Route To Nature

West Coast Way is your ultimate gateway to experiencing the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Cape West Coast of South Africa. As a premium tourism brand, we offer six uniquely themed trip plans that promise an unforgettable journey: Cape, Culture, Foodie, Tractor, Berg, and Wild.

Discover over 101 incredible things to see and do with West Coast Way: Savour the delights of wine, craft beer, olives, and Rooibos tea tastings. Indulge in authentic Weskus cuisine and the traditional braaivleis (barbecue). Feel the thrill of swinging into Citrusdal on a zipline or challenge yourself with Cederberg bouldering. Rejuvenate in natural warm pools and embark on serene cruises across lagoons and rivers. Explore the diverse landscapes of nature reserves and a National Park, or embark on exciting game drives. Hone your skills in archery and angling, or amp up the excitement with sandboarding and quad-biking. Enjoy horse riding, immerse yourself in the unique San culture, and experience the vibrant Riel dancing. For water sports enthusiasts, kite- and windsurfing, surfing, and kayaking trips await. Go beach hopping, learn about bees and whales, and delight in birdwatching in a twitcher’s paradise – all within South Africa’s renowned wildflower reserve. For more information on the best places to visit on the West Coast, road tripping routes, hikes, tours, and trails, explore westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777.  Follow us on  on Instagram, Facebook, X and LinkedIn @WestCoastWaySA.