TOURISM TEAMS JOIN FORCES
Friday, 4 September 2026
Overstrand Municipality's Cape Whale Coast Tourism Office attended the Wesgro Regional Tourism Organisation Winter Forum in Arniston on 26 August 2026, bringing together tourism representatives from across the Western Cape.
With the theme "Unlocking Tourism Growth in the Western Cape", the forum looked at what is happening in tourism and, more importantly, how the province can turn opportunities into real growth.
Julia Louw, Wesgro Head of Leisure Tourism, shared insights into changing visitor trends and what travellers are looking for, while Jacques Stoltz, Director: Tourism at DEDAT, provided an update on tourism projects and support available to the industry.
The message for Overstrand is clear: there is plenty to build on. With a strong tourism offering already in place, the focus is now on finding new ways to package and promote what we have.
If we start thinking differently and working together, there are exciting opportunities to create experiences that encourage visitors to stay longer and explore more. This could include everything from local food and heritage to outdoor adventures and meeting the people who make the Overstrand special.
By working with neighbouring tourism regions and local tourism businesses, we can also create better itineraries for visitors while opening up more opportunities for small businesses and job creation.
Tourism Growth Fund
Tourism businesses can also make use of the Western Cape Government's Tourism Growth Fund, which has R7 million available during the 2026/27 financial year for qualifying tourism projects.
The fund supports tourism infrastructure, product and business development projects across the province. Applications are currently open, and businesses are encouraged to check the requirements carefully and ensure that all required documents are submitted.
Overstrand tourism stakeholders are encouraged to find out more through the Western Cape Government website or from the Overstrand Tourism offices in Gansbaai, Hermanus, Stanford and Kleinmond.
Issued by:
Edward Jantjies, Overstrand Acting Municipal Manager