The South African wine tourism industry is about to take off big time – at least, if Minister for Tourism Marthinus van Schalkwyk gets his way.
“The wine industry in South Africa plays a vital role in both job creation and rural economic growth,” said the minister while giving a talk during a workshop for stakeholders at the Spier Estate in Stellensbosch, one of the country’s largest wine growing regions.
“2009 saw wine tourism contribute around R4.3 billion to the overall tourism revenue in the country, and there is a lot of potential for this sector to continue to grow.”
Van Schalkwyk may be onto something.
With its gorgeous weather, warm-hearted people and breathtaking scenery, South Africa’s wine regions are indeed a traveler’s dream.
The country features some of the liveliest wine festivals found anywhere in the world, while the focus of the industry is on its famous “wine routes”, of which there are more than 14 in the Western cape alone – South Africa’s most popular wine region.
One of the best of these is also the world’s first ever ‘brandy route’, in the Klein Karoo and Boland, while the ‘Green Mountain Eco wine route’ is said to be the world’s only biodiversity wine route.
Meanwhile, the region is also home to the ‘Route 62 wine route’, thought to be the longest such route in the world, with more than 70 wine stops where travelers can join in the tasting, take part in adventure sports, go sightseeing and more.
And now is the time to really open up such wonderful destinations to the world, says Van Schalkwyk.
South Africa needs to safeguard against international economic volatility from factors such as demand and foreign currency fluctuations, the minister explained.
“And wine tourism offers the most natural way for us to do just that.”
It’s hoped that wine tourism will also play a part in helping the country increase the geograophic spread of its tourism, which is right now centered on its beaches and safari options. It’s hoped that South African’s beautiful wine growing regions will provide tourists with additional travel options.
“Wine tourism is vital if South Africa is to compete with growing destinations like Thailand, Brazil, Australia and Kenya,” said Van Schalkwyk.
View Comments (4)
I would like to add the topic of Culinary Tourism, wine tourism is a subset of this and I feel go hand in hand.
You see, "everyone of your visitors will eat and drink at least once a day" [Erik Wolf President/Ceo culinarytourism.org] I wonder if you are only looking at one half of a whole-of course you may have a huge culinary tourism scene-but to me as a Culinary Tourist-I would love to visit a winery and sure taste the wine, but maybe eat some food that would pair with the wine. Maybe a stay at one of the vineyards and go to a cooking class held there using the wine and local ingredients of the area.
I would like to think that you have considered this,, if not I hope I have given you food for thought so to speak!
I viisited Stellenbosch last November (a return trip to South Africa aftr 25 years.) It would be wonderful if more SA wines were exported to the U.S.A. I am desperately looking for Graham Beck Old Road pinotage which I drank while in Cape Town.
@foodyguy
You're right I guess they do go hand in hand really, but the problem is that South Africa isn't really known for its culinary delights (goat anyone?), therefore the idea is to focus on the wine, for which its world famous for!
Hi Judy,
I'm surprised they don't export more South African wine to the states, in the UK (my country) it's a bout all you CAN find lol.
I suspect your Californian wineries can do without the competition, that may have something to do with it!