Concern that overdevelopment and mining could threaten allure of the West Coast
Cape Town – Tourism organisations and businesses on the West Coast are worried that overdevelopment and mining are posing threats making it harder to market the area to tourists.
- written by [email protected]
Those who have ever travelled on the West Coast can’t help but be mesmerised by the many offerings, whether it is the quaintness of Mamre, the veld flowers of Darling, the awesomeness of the West Coast National Park, or the Greek-themed Club Mykonos in Langebaan, to name a few, and the many, many beaches to choose from.
At a recent get-together organised by marketing company West Coast Way at Thali Thali Game Lodge, several speakers spoke about the uniqueness of the area and how they have built businesses and created jobs.
West Coast Way is celebrating 10 years of marketing the West Coast and owner Carmen Lerm is excited about the next 10 years.
“The vision is to unify the West Coast into one brand experience for consumers. Even people on the West Coast, they see the different regions that the West Coast is made up of, for instance Swartland, the West Coast Peninsula or even Cederberg or the Berg route area.
“People see it as different areas and they don’t understand the importance of working as one unit together and offering it as one holistic experience. People are still thinking, borders. The consumer don’t think borders.
“That is why West Coast Way runs from Cape Town up to Garies and up to Nieuwoudtville, areas that actually fall outside your standard West Coast. That is the way people move when they go on holiday.
“And really, who are we trying to reach? Everyone within the West Coast that is in tourism, their target market in general is situated outside the West Coast. We are trying to attract people from up country, southern Africa, Africa, internationally, the UK, Germany, etc. We need to start working together,” she said.
Lerm said she wants to see this ‘working together’ done in a responsible, eco-friendly and sustainable way.
Such is the allure of the West Coast that all along the coastline, holiday homes and new housing development are springing up, with the inevitable shopping malls, restaurants, bars and entertainment spots.
While all of this is welcomed, Lerm is cautious about overdevelopment and the impact it could have on the uniqueness of the area.
“This is where the municipality plays a big role. Property development needs to be adjusted, because if it is uncontrolled growth, there is going to be nothing left that is unique or a stand-out experience. I agree there should be control over growth and development, because the pressure that it puts on the environment, that is not okay, and that is what everybody needs to take responsibility for.”
Another threat that could have a lasting impact on the West Coast, and decimate tourism, is mining, both near-shore mining and sea mining for diamonds, oil and gas and beach mining for scarce minerals.
Mike Schlebach from Protect the West Coast, said in the next 10 years there is a very real possibility that “we will see beach mining happening all the way from Langebaan to Elands Bay up to Alexander Bay”, with big oil rigs up and down the coast as well.
“We currently have 65 prospecting and mining applications, mostly starting from Elands Bay, all the way up. The Department of Minerals and Energy and the Department of the Environment seem hell-bent on approving these applications,” he said.
How you can help Protect The West Coast
You can be a part of this vital mission! By donating, fundraising, volunteering, and sharing on social media, you can make a significant impact. Whether you’re an individual or a company, there are opportunities for everyone to contribute to PTWC. Your support will go a long way in safeguarding this magical coastline for future generations.
Act now to Protect The West Coast and be a part of this extraordinary venture! Check out their website here: www.protectthewestcoast.org
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.