“The Cape Winelands District, 1 000 things to do and then some wine!”
These words aptly describe the unique experiences available to visitors to the Cape Winelands District. If you are visiting from upcountry or overseas and are wondering where to take your family, wonder no more. The new Cape Winelands Tourism Routes and Events App was launched on 12 September 2019 by Cape Winelands District Municipality’s (CWDM) division of Local Economic Development (LED). The app, which is available free of charge to both Android and Apple users, will help local, national and international travellers plan their visit to the Cape Winelands District (CWD).
“This App was developed with people in mind,” stated Cllr Kobus du Plessis, Mayoral Committee member and Portfolio Holder for Local Economic Development during his address. “The people of the CWD are the strength of our tourism industry, the manner in which they host, entertain and nourish our guests show us this and the App is designed for people visiting our area who wish to be hosted, entertained and nourished!”
The app was inspired by the CWDM and developed by Indigo New Media, a digital collaboration company building smart mobile apps that help to positively influence communities. The App allows the user to follow various routes, if the users are interested in history they can follow one of the historical routes, or try one of the culinary routes – and see where the two overlap, allowing you for e.g.: to enjoy a culinary experience in a historical building.
To ensure that the App was fully functional prior to the launch, the CWDM collaborated with the 14 Local Tourism Associations (LTA) and hosted a visit based on the Amazing Race principle for members of the media. Contestants were required to make use of the App to find various business and activities before posting these on digital media platforms and the App.
“What I truly enjoyed about the App was that it shows the hidden gems and little known businesses which do not always have the resources to advertise on a national or international platform.” Shared Glen Hunt of Swirl and Spice who was part of the team that visited the Breede Valley.
Marletta Mundey of Montagu/Ashton LTA discussing the role of the LTA in the community stated, “In Montagu and in fact in the CWD in general, we have been blessed with the best that nature can offer, great weather, perfect skies and majestic mountains, but it’s the people of the area that make it special; the happier the residents are the better the experience will be for visitors. Collaboration is vital!”
The final destination for the contestants was the official launch held at the Du kloof Hotel situated on the N1 just after the Huguenot Tunnel, a rainy afternoon and a warm fire together with delicious food offered the perfect opportunity for suggestions and improvements to the App.
Through real interaction, the developers had the opportunity to hear suggestions directly from people who had spent 24 hours using the tool. These suggestions, such as a ‘what to do with two days in Cape Winelands’ and another that the App could offer ‘special deals and coupons’ were well received by the developers and can easily be integrated.
The international theme for tourism in 2019/2020 is ‘Job creation through tourism’. As a district municipality, the CWDM strives to grow an economy that benefits all in the community, and therefore one of the focus areas of the municipality’s management and Council is to seek opportunities for social and economic development. “The App is interactive and thus gives even small, unknown businesses and hidden gems the opportunity to reach a new market and make themselves known on an international platform.” Explained Gayle Daniels of the CWDM’s Local Economic Development division.
The Cape Winelands District offers something for everyone, whether you are a thrill-seeking mountain biker or trail runner, an individual looking for a week away to rejuvenate, a group of festive festivalgoers, wine (or gin, beer or brandy) connoisseurs, a family of foodies, birders, campers, glampers, or a couple searching for that perfect wedding spot and boutique hotel for the special wedding night, download and register the app. We will have just the space for you!
The Cape Winelands district is made up of five sub districts covering an area of 22 309 km2. It stretches from Stellenbosch to Paarl and through majestic mountain passes to Tulbagh, Ceres or Op-die-Berg; or take the Huguenot Tunnel option to Worcester and into the Hex River Valley, meandering along the N1 to Touwsriver. For the return drive, leisurely wind through the backroads from Touwsriver to Montagu, from where you could take a leisurely drive back to Stellenbosch. “The biggest advantage in these times when we are all looking for value for money is probably that these destinations are accessible within a 30- to 120-minute drive from Cape Town and from the airport.” Said one of the guests attending the event.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) welcomes you and yours to our incredible spaces, download and register the App and plan your visit! Take a day trip or even better, stay for a while. After all, we have 1 000 things to do and then some wine!
CAPTIONS
The members of the media exploring the Breede Valley area using the Cape Winelands Tourism Routes and Events app sit down for a tasting of a different kind, an olive oil tasting at Willow Creek.
Not everything fungi is harmful as claimed. Sporting their hairnets, members of the media learned about the health benefits of mushrooms with an educational factory tour at Royal Mushrooms.
Visit the CWDM on their Facebook page: Cape Winelands DM or the website on www.capewinelands.gov.za
Categories: Event
