Western Cape’s Global Tourism and Wine Awards Highlight New Opportunities for African Markets
The Western Cape has once again commanded international attention, with the provincial government celebrating a series of prestigious accolades recently achieved by its tourism and wine sectors. These triumphs, which include prominent wins at the 2025 World Travel Awards and recognition on the extended World’s 50 Best Vineyards list, are not only a testament to the region’s ongoing commitment to excellence but also provide a blueprint for tourism growth and economic empowerment across sub-Saharan Africa.
Among the most notable achievements is the Township and Village (T& V) initiative in Stellenbosch, which secured silver in the Peace, Understanding and Inclusion category. Launched in 2018 with the support of Stellenbosch Municipality, T& V has welcomed over 2,500 guests and empowered more than 40 local tourism providers, from guides to artisans and home-based entrepreneurs. This initiative has drawn widespread praise for its focus on inclusivity, dignity, and economic opportunity within historically marginalized communities—demonstrating a model that can be adapted in other African destinations seeking to build sustainable tourism from the grassroots up.
The T& V initiative’s success was further amplified as one of 15 participants in the Sustainable Tourism Enterprise Partnership pilot project, funded by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT) earlier in the year. This pilot not only highlights the value of collaborative development but also illustrates how targeted funding and local partnerships can create long-lasting impact in rural and peri-urban economies.
Another Western Cape treasure, the Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, was awarded gold in the "Increasing Local Sourcing and Creating Shared Value" category. This cultural and educational hub honours the rich heritage of the San people while driving rural upliftment through ethical sourcing policies and immersive visitor experiences. In the past year alone, the centre has supported 44 local producers and generated 4,500 employment days—a remarkable achievement that underscores the transformative power of tourism in both preserving cultural legacies and uplifting communities.
The provincial government underscored its pride in supporting the Khwa ttu San Heritage Centre, which is a former recipient of the Tourism Growth Fund. This partnership stands as a compelling example for African regions aiming to harness tourism for both economic and social returns, particularly in areas rich with cultural diversity and heritage.
Wine tourism remains a pillar of the Western Cape’s international appeal, with four of its wine estates securing spots on the 2025 World’s 50 Best Vineyards extended list. The recognized estates—Tokara Wine and Olive Estate and Delaire Graff Estate in Stellenbosch, La Motte Wine Estate in Franschhoek Valley, and Hamilton Russell Vineyards in Hemel-en-Aarde—showcase the region’s capacity to blend spectacular landscapes, world-class hospitality, and premium wine experiences. For African travel professionals, these successes reinforce the importance of pairing product quality with authentic, high-value visitor experiences to attract discerning international and regional guests.
According to Dr Ivan Meyer, Western Cape MEC for Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, these accolades reflect the province’s unwavering dedication to excellence and resilience. Dr Meyer highlighted the innovation and commitment evident in local businesses and communities and reaffirmed the government’s pledge to foster sustainable, inclusive growth throughout the region. This message resonates strongly with stakeholders across Africa who are seeking to unlock the full potential of their own tourism and hospitality offerings.
The recent recognition of the Western Cape’s achievements serves as a powerful reminder to the broader African travel industry: responsible tourism, when aligned with inclusive community development and a passion for excellence, can drive both reputational and economic benefits. The success stories emerging from the province offer a wealth of best practices—from supporting small-scale entrepreneurs and integrating cultural heritage into visitor programs, to leveraging international awards as catalysts for further growth and investment.
As the Western Cape Government extends its congratulations to its award-winning partners, the entire continent stands to gain from their pioneering approaches. African regions that prioritize responsible tourism, local empowerment, and quality product development will be best positioned to capture new market share in a rapidly evolving global landscape. With increasing competition and changing traveler preferences, Africa’s tourism sector must continue to innovate, collaborate, and invest in the people and places that make its destinations truly unique.
Looking ahead, the Western Cape’s achievements point to a future where African destinations are not only celebrated for their natural beauty, but also for their leadership in sustainability, community inclusion, and experiential excellence. By learning from these successes and adapting their strategies, African tourism professionals can ensure their own regions thrive on the world stage—turning local strengths into global success stories for years to come.
