– Kouga Municipality recently rolled out the red carpet for 17 national and international tour operators, including specialists in adventure tourism and a destination management company.
This exciting event, organised by the Kouga Finance and Economic Development Department in collaboration with the South African Tourism Services Association (SATSA), marked a significant milestone in promoting Kouga as a premier tourist destination, particularly on the international stage.
The last time the Eastern Cape witnessed such an event was in 2018, making this a first for the Kouga region.
The municipality is a member of SATSA, while Heidi Halgryn, Kouga Tourism Marketing and Information Officer, is a newly elected committee member of SATSA Eastern Cape.
“Welcoming these esteemed tour operators to Kouga is not just a milestone for our municipality but a testament to the growing recognition of our region’s unique appeal,” said Kouga Executive Mayor, Hattingh Bornman.
“We are proud to showcase the diverse experiences that Kouga has to offer, from our pristine beaches and world-class golf courses to the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty that make our area a must-visit destination.”
Their itinerary included a visit to Mooihoek Strawberry Farm, an authentic Eastern Cape adventure at Pabala Private Nature Reserve, and a delightful meal at Padlangs Restaurant in the picturesque Gamtoos Valley.
In St Francis Bay, they enjoyed a taste of the region’s famous calamari, and a visit to The Links. Their journey continued to Cape St Francis Resort, where they explored the historic lighthouse and visited Nevermind Restaurant (rated as one of the best fine-dining restaurants in SA), before wrapping up their visit with a surfing experience at Island Vibe in Jeffreys Bay.
It, furthermore, included a high-energy marketing session at Mentors Country Estate, now a four-star conference and venue establishment, where local tourism companies put their best foot forward to impress the visiting tour operators.
“This was an incredible opportunity for our local businesses to engage directly with international decision-makers,” said Bornman. “The enthusiasm and positive feedback we received are clear indicators of Kouga’s potential to become a top-tier destination.”
“We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to showcase Kouga’s vibrant tourism offerings.”
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