(Back from left) Betty Anoster (Cape St Francis Resort), Anita Lennox (Cape St Francis Resort), Heidi Halgryn (Kouga Local Municipality Tourism, Marketing and Information Officer), (front from left) Mmabatho Seiphemo (SATNCB), and Zime Mzelemu (SATNCB).
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Kouga Local Municipality is working to position the region as a competitive destination for conferences, meetings and corporate events.
Representatives from the South African National Convention Bureau (SANCB) conducted a two-day site inspection on 10 and 11 September 2026. The municipal Tourism Department facilitated the visit.
The programme highlighted Kouga’s venues, accommodation and tourism experiences. It also explored opportunities within the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions market.
Tourism Beyond The Holiday Season
Kouga Executive Mayor Hattingh Bornman said business tourism could broaden the local tourism economy. Furthermore, it could generate economic activity outside the traditional summer holiday season.
“Kouga is widely recognised as a premier leisure and holiday destination, but our region has much more to offer,” Bornman said.
“We have world-class venues, outstanding hospitality and a combination of coastal, nature, sporting and lifestyle experiences.”
Business events support more than conference venues. Delegates also require accommodation, restaurants, transport, catering, technical services and entertainment. Therefore, each event can benefit a wide range of local businesses.
In addition, business visitors may return to Kouga later with their families and friends.
Three Kouga Venues Inspected
During the visit, the SANCB delegation inspected Cape St Francis Resort, St Francis Links and Mentors Country Estate.
Cape St Francis Resort demonstrated how conferences can combine with accommodation, coastal activities and team-building programmes.
Meanwhile, St Francis Links showcased its conferencing, hospitality and golf facilities. The venue can accommodate executive meetings, corporate events and incentive programmes.
Mentors Country Estate highlighted Jeffreys Bay’s capacity to host conferences, exhibitions, functions and larger gatherings.
Together, the three venues demonstrated the range of business events that Kouga can accommodate.
Taking Kouga To A Wider Market
Closer cooperation with the SANCB could improve Kouga’s visibility among conference organisers, associations, corporate groups and incentive-travel planners.
Kouga can also offer an alternative to traditional city-based conference destinations. Its facilities are supported by beaches, surfing, golf, nature, food and outdoor experiences.
“We want people to see Kouga not simply as a place to hold a meeting, but as a destination where business and leisure can work together,” Bornman said.
The municipality believes continued cooperation between venues, tourism businesses and national organisations can strengthen Kouga’s position in the business-events market.
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