Image related to website content

CapeNature video production recognized at the 5th International Tourism Film Festival Africa

24 May 2023

One of CapeNature’s video productions, “Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and Biodiversity Conservation” filmed at its popular Gamkaberg Nature Reserve, was selected among 378 entries from 59 countries as a finalist at the 5th Edition of the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA). The ITFFA recently took place at the Labia Theatre, one of the most iconic cinema venues in Cape Town.

The captivating short film, produced by Jo-Ann Strauss Productions, gives the viewer a behind the scenes look at what it takes to develop the eco-tourism potential of a nature reserve from a couple of tents to an award-winning destination, recognized by Africa’s Finest as one of the top 50 facilities in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. In addition, the reserve’s Tierkloof Trail has been hailed by British authors, Steve Watkins and Clare Jones, as one of the “unforgettable walks to take before you die” in their book with the same name.

The origin of the film was based on the customer service blueprint of the reserve, showcasing best practice in the customer experience journey. Gamkaberg Nature Reserve enjoys an abundance of compliments from visitors, singling out the staff and management for their excellence in hospitality. Mr Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access thanked ITFFA for recognizing the film, “We did not make the video to win awards, we produced it for our own internal staff to replicate excellence in customer experience throughout the entity. We aspire to maintain the high standards Gamkaberg achieves at all of our eco-tourism reserves.”

Through heartfelt interviews with the dedicated local staff, some of whom represent generations deeply connected to the reserve, the film leaves viewers in awe and instils a renewed admiration for the seamless teamwork that spans across all levels, from the diligent housekeeping staff to the visionary management.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature, expressed her gratitude and excitement, stating, "Being recognised at the prestigious ITFFA is a tremendous honour for CapeNature. This achievement highlights our commitment to live our core values in delivering outstanding eco-tourism experiences and upholding our mission of biodiversity conservation. We are immensely proud of our team's commitment and their remarkable efforts captured in this film."

Producer, Jo-Ann Strauss, shared in the honour, “We thank the ITFFA for recognising and awarding the valuable contribution of this production and others that were selected to celebrate and foster the growth of the tourism and travel industry.”

The film festival was founded in 2019, by Caroline Ungersbock and James Byrne to honour and promote exceptional and innovative content created in tourism and travel. This exceptional recognition by the ITFFA further solidifies CapeNature's reputation as a leading force in sustainable tourism and nature conservation.

For more information and to experience the awe-inspiring beauty of CapeNature and Jo-Ann Strauss Video Production, the film can be viewed here: Customer Service values - Eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation - YouTube

MEDIA ENQUIRIES:

Petro van Rhyn

General Manager: Advocacy

pvrhyn@capenature.co.za

071 231 7576


Share:

Related News

Baboon icon
3 Sep 2026
Roll-out of baboon-proof bins to start as northern fence gets under way

The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team is pleased to announce key developments related to the practical implementation of the approved Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan (CPBSMP). The Action Plan that guides the practical implementation of the CPBSMP was approved by SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town in November 2025.

2 September Cape Nature Access Week Blog Post New
3 Sep 2026
Explore the Western Cape for free this Access Week – Nature is for Everyone

A week of free access to some of the Western Cape’s most spectacular natural spaces is on offer this September, as CapeNature opens the gates to selected nature reserves for its 12th annual Access Week. Taking place from 19–25 September 2026 under the theme “Nature is for Everyone”, Access Week invites individuals, families and communities to explore participating reserves without paying a conservation entry fee.

Cashless image credit pexels karola g 5239806
2 Sep 2026
CapeNature extends cashless payments to more nature reserves

Building on the success of its initial rollout, CapeNature will extend its cashless payment system to a further five nature reserves in September 2026, in line with its ongoing commitment to service excellence, sustainability and safety. Following the successful transition to cashless payments at Robberg, Keurbooms, Stony Point, Bird Island and Walker Bay nature reserves earlier this year, CapeNature will expand the cashless payment system to reach more visitors across the Western Cape.

Theewaterskloof Dam3
1 Sep 2026
CapeNature updates fees for commercial filming across its reserves

From fynbos-covered mountains and indigenous forests to rugged coastlines and Marine Protected Areas, CapeNature’s reserves have long provided a diverse backdrop for local and international film and television productions. From 1 October 2026, CapeNature is updating its commercial filming tariff structure to better align fees with the scale of productions and the demands they place on protected area management.

Dont be trashy campaign
31 Aug 2026
Western Cape communities called to join the 2026 #DontBeTrashy Drive

CapeNature in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning is calling on communities, schools, businesses and visitors across the Western Cape to take part in the annual #DontBeTrashy Drive, running from 1—30 September 2026. The month-long campaign aims to reduce waste, protect biodiversity and raise public awareness about the growing impact of pollution on the Province’s land, rivers

Stony Point Tour Guide Training August 2026
28 Aug 2026
Stony Point workshops equip tour guides to deliver informed and responsible eco-tourism experiences

CapeNature has brought tour guides and tourism operators together at Stony Point Nature Reserve to strengthen their knowledge of the site and support more informed and responsible visitor experiences. The first-ever CapeNature tour guide and operator workshops were held at Stony Point on 26 and 27 August, covering the reserve’s history, biodiversity, African Penguin colony, conservation work, and