EXCITING NEW TOURISM DEVELOPMENTS TO BE REVEALED AT World Travel Market Africa WTM 2019

This years World Travel Market (WTM) promises some notable events – with the announcement of a coveted award, the launch of a brand new tour and unique hiking experience, and the showcasing of an NPO that is truly making a difference.

West Coast Way will once again, and for the fourth year running, be representing the Cape West Coast (WeskusBeskus) and its top tourist attractions, (including some exciting new offerings) and their achievements at this years World Travel Market (WTM), taking place at the CTICC from 10 – 12 April 2019.

Things to Expect at WTM 2019

Responsible Tourism Awards

The 2019 African Responsible Tourism Awards winners will be announced during WTM Africa and West Coast based !Khwa Ttu has been listed as a finalist – with optimism being high that they will bring home this prestigious title.  The African Responsible Tourism Awards celebrate the commitment and efforts of individuals, organisations and destinations that use tourism to make Africa better.

!Khwa ttu – meaning ‘water hole’ in the San language – situated an hour from Cape Town’s CBD on the West Coast’s R27 main route, is home to the world-unique and pioneering !Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre which houses interactive displays and presentations that depict the lives of the San, and allows visitors to immerse themselves in the ways of the San.  !Khwa ttu also offers a restaurant, accommodation, herbal tea garden, San guided nature experiences by foot, game drives and the newly launched e-bike cycling tour experience.

Launch of a New West Coast Way 2-Day Tour

West Coast Way will be launching an exciting new 2-day tour of the Cape West Coast at WTM 2019 that will be on offer to the public through Kettie Travel.  Kettie Travel is the official travel desk and travel services company of West Coast Way which was created to deal with the multitude of requests for information and advise on guided tours and road trips on the Cape West Coast.

The West Coast Way 2-Day Tour will offer visitors a phenomenal snapshot of what the Cape West Coast has to offer – with a diverse range of activities and venues included in the itinerary, from nature walks to beer tasting and many other things in between.  Included in the 2-day tour is a visit to !Khwa ttu, the West Coast National Park, Thali Thali Game Reserve, the Langebaan lagoon, a Darling Brew experience and Evita se Perron.This is a chauffeured and guided tour with pick up and drop off from various points in Cape Town.  For more information visit www.westcoastway.co.za or email [email protected] or [email protected].

16 Mile Beach Challenge Walk

Also being launched at WTM alongside the 2-Day West Coast Explorer Tour is a new 16 Mile Beach Challenge which sees participants set off for a grueling but beautiful one-day guided hike (certified guide) along South Africa’s longest uninterrupted beach.

This endurance hike, (rated at level 4 for fitness) along picturesque and unspoiled coastline, sets off from Tsaars Bank in the famous West Coast National Park and ends at the Main Beach in Yzerfontein and is the only guided beach walk of its kind offered within the West Coast biodiversity corridor.  Participants who complete the hike will receive a certificate to commemorate their achievement.
For more information on the 16 Mile Beach Challenge email [email protected].

Abalobi – non-profit organisation helping impoverished fishers – #FishWithAStory

West Coast Way actively supports a non-profit organisation which operates on the Cape West Coast called Abalobi, and will be introducing this ground-breaking NPO to WTM attendees.

Abalobi sources seafood directly from over 200 registered small-scale fishers and connects these fishers to over 100 restaurants that then purchase this seafood.  This empowers these small-scale fishers and allows them to make a sustainable living by being paid a fair price for what they catch.  To date over R2 million has been paid directly from participating restaurants to the fishers.

Consumers benefit because they get to sample top quality seafood that is traceable – having traveled along a transparent and legal supply chain.

Abalobi works through technology – the fishers log their catch and vessel details on the online Abalobi marketplace where the restaurants can then purchase this fish directly from the source.  Consumers who then order this seafood off the menu are able to scan the QR code provided by the restaurant which shows who caught the seafood/fish, where, when and how it was caught – making it a completely traceable, transparent and connected dining experience.

Grand launch event

ALL of these exciting new tourism developments and offerings will be launched and showcased at  a special event taking place at West Coast Way’s stand (Stand L07 in the Main Hall) on Friday 12 April at from 11am – 12pm.

“West Coast Way works tirelessly to promote the Weskus Beskus (Cape West Coast)- a kaleidoscope of culture, exciting activities, warm people and beautiful scenery, where at every corner there is a new and intriguing tourism offering,” says Carmen Lerm, founder and CEO of West Coast Way.  “We are very excited to be bringing the best of the West Coast to the CTICC, and to be offering WTM attendees such a jam-packed launch event on the Friday at our stand.”

“Weskus Beskus – the catch phrase that West Coast Way have developed for the Cape West Coast – encapsulates the richness of the Cape West Coast culture and the innovative, world-class tourism products on offer here.  We look forward to sharing these with everyone at WTM 2019,” concludes Lerm.

For more information visit www.westcoastway.co.za.

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.

West Coast Way is South Africa’s road trip with the most twists. Explore a unique collection of 101 road trip stops along themed routes by planning a self-drive trip or guided tour for a nature and adventure-filled Cape West Coast vacation. The new West Coast Way “basket” of free routes on offer include the West Coast Way Tractor Route, the West Coast Way Berg Route, the West Coast Way Foodie Route, the West Coast Way Cultural Route, the West Coast Way Wild Route – as well as the newly launched Cape Way Route – all of which are designed to showcase the many attractions and activities that are already on offer on the Cape West Coast and inland areas – but may be unknown to many.
For more information on West Coast Way, the other routes on offer, and the list of 101 Things to Do on the West Coast visit www.westcoastway.co.za or call West Coast Way on 0861 321 777. Connect with West Coast Way on Facebook and Twitter at WestCoastWaySA.