The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) in partnership with the Eastern Cape Liquor Board (ECLB) have partnered to create and promote a tourism route of several Eastern Cape Breweries and Distillers based in Tsitsikamma, Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Gqeberha, Makhanda, Port Alfred, East London and Chintsa.
This route seeks to showcase the unique offerings of the province that make it a diverse destination offering numerous unique activities for travellers
The launch happens weeks away from launching Summer and this sets the scene for all the tourism wealth that is available in this province for people to enjoy
In many parts of the world the activity of culinary travel is extremely popular and has emerged as an independent product within tourism. It has become a form of niche tourism with people travelling to particular areas in order to experience the unique foods and beverages of a destination. Much like we have in the Karroo for the food festival that even internationals come to experience. Food and drink have emerged as integral elements of the tourist experience and are often viewed to interpret a destination’s local culture and often unique heritage. And that ladies and gentleman, is the tourism offering we hope to showcase here today through the profiling of this route.
The Chief Executive Officer, Vuyani Dayimani said that the partnerships were in line with ECPTA’s developmental agenda for the province and Government’s Programme of Action around the creation of decent employment through inclusive economic growth, and a skilled and vibrant workforce to support an inclusive growth path.
“The launch came at a better and opportune time, thank you ECLB and ECPTA for the vision as we continue to work towards diversifying our experiences and make Eastern Cape a competitive destination of choice.”
“I am glad that journalists and tour guides got to experience the home brewed and labour intensive process that the breweries undertake. Its local talent at its best. Experiencing the route first-hand we hope inspires great stories and makes it better to package for tour operators. This is truly an exciting gem of the province especially for tourists interested in all thing’s food and drinks.”
In September of this year we were launching tourism month in Gqeberha in partnership with NMB and Cemair who were introducing new routes for the province which is great for ease of access to the destination, increased connectivity, and the uneven geographic spread of visitors to various areas of the province. That too ties in well with this route that starts in Jeffreys bay and meanders its way via the coastline to Chintsa with various stops along the way. We look to position Eastern Cape as accessible, with a plethora of unique and niche activities that internationals and domestic tourists find enticing to explore.
In 2018 alone 104 thousand people in the Eastern Cape worked in the tourism sector with an estimated GDP contribution of R11billion and this is the success story we are fighting hard to materialise once more for our people and their livelihoods.
In 2020 international spend in the province totalled R2.6 billion and it is key for the province and to the benefit of the industry that we reignite domestic and international travel as a matter of great urgency.
“Our coastline has the biggest provincial portion of the tourism market share due to its numerous experiences and offerings that assist to boost the provincial economy through job creation amongst others, it also boasts the highest provincial safari experiences both in terms of private and government owned facilities which is reflected in the Indalo group that we have.”
“It is also home to some of our best accommodation facilities including leisure, culture, heritage, and adventure activities including now a keen focus on culinary excursions.”
The launch takes place against the backdrop of the crippling impact of Covid on tourism businesses and the tourism value chain. Provincial Government demonstrated unwavering support during this time through recovery initiatives that include rebooting the economy with a R115 Million injection directed towards the recovery of the economy with the tourism sector as a major benefactor to the tune of R19 million.
The success of this assistance was underpinned by a collective efforts of the industry in ensuring customer care and service excellence as paramount antidotes; health and safety protocols as non-negotiable; and teamwork, partnership and collaboration as the ultimate currency.
“We are grateful for the keenness of the tourism fraternity and stakeholders like ECLB to work together to welcome travellers following a tough battle to sustain sectors due to Covid19.”
“Through many successful public-private partnerships and collaborations forged during and after lockdown such as this one, we showed that our collective abilities far exceed our individual efforts and I hope we continue to in this direction for the ultimate benefit of our province. the CEO said.
