CapeNature’s Tourism Month Celebration Embraces Green Investments
CapeNature recently hosted a captivating event in celebration of World Tourism Month, echoing the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's theme of "Tourism and Green Investments." The event brought together key stakeholders and partners committed to eco-tourism for a lively discussion on this vital theme.
The event featured a dynamic panel discussion facilitated by renowned businesswoman and media personality, Jo-Ann Strauss. The expert panel included Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director for Eco-Tourism and Access at CapeNature; Odile Hufkie, Marketing Manager for Cape Union Mart; Mpume Mabuza President & Board Chairperson of the African Association of Tourism Experiences and Attractions; Julia Louw, Head of Leisure Tourism from Wesgro; and Ilse van Schalkwyk, Chief Director for Economic Sector Support from the Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
The panel discussion underway, our panelists are shedding light on innovative ways the tourism industry can pave the way for a more sustainable and eco-conscious future. 🏔️💚
CapeNature is at the forefront of eco-tourism, with its tourism development projects designed to minimize environmental impact while embracing green building technology. Over the past two years, the organisation achieved record-breaking revenue growth, emphasising its commitment to sustainable tourism.
Minister Anton Bredell, MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, highlighted the importance of investing in people, the planet, and prosperity. He stressed the need to equip the workforce with skills and innovation to drive the industry forward while addressing the climate crisis through green tourism investments. The minister also emphasised the role of entrepreneurship and innovation in boosting prosperity.
Dr. Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature, expressed gratitude for the increased support from local and international visitors, with tourist numbers surging by 43%. She highlighted CapeNature's efforts to enhance existing tourism offerings, including public-private partnerships and green building practices. The organisation's Rocherpan Nature Reserve has already embraced solar energy, paving the way for a sustainable future for more reserves in the Western Cape.
As the world grapples with environmental challenges, CapeNature remains committed to responsible and sustainable tourism, exemplifying the ideals of World Tourism Month and the UNWTO's call for green investments. The event served as a testament to CapeNature's dedication to creating opportunities for people, nurturing the planet, and fostering prosperity through eco-friendly tourism.
In summary, CapeNature's celebration of Tourism Month in 2023 showcased its unwavering commitment to sustainable tourism and green investments, aligning with global efforts to create a brighter, more eco-conscious future for all.
Our guests received a wonderful goody bag filled with gorgeous CapeNature branded items and goodies from our partners: Cape Union Mart, K-way, Tangled Tree Wine, and Wesgro.
We had amazing competitions for our guests to participate in, and two lucky winners walked away with a CapeNature getaway voucher and a R 5000 hamper from Cape Union Mart.
Jamie Domburg and Sebastian Newman having fun at the 360-camera booth 😃 (https://goldotter.co.za/photo-booth-hire/360-photo-booth)
Jo-Ann Strauss, Jamie Domberg, Sebastian Newman, Loren Pavitt.
Delicious finger foods were neatly laid out for guests to enjoy.
Cape Union Mart displaying their eco range at the event.
Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.
Related News
Escape the city, not your budget, this Black Friday
If you’ve been dreaming of a nature-filled getaway, now’s the perfect time to make it happen. CapeNature’s Black Friday deal is back with a twist! From 25 November to 1 December 2025, book 3 consecutive nights at select CapeNature reserves and only pay for 2!
Doringkloof in the Klein Karoo declared a Provincial Nature Reserve
Nestled between Touwsrivier and Montagu, Doringkloof Nature Reserve is the latest property to be formally declared a Provincial Nature Reserve. Spanning over 209 hectares of rugged mountain slopes and plains, the reserve forms part of the broader Touw Valley Cluster.
Walker Bay Nature Reserve honoured with Green Coast Award
CapeNature’s Walker Bay Nature Reserve has once again been recognised for its outstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable coastal management, receiving a Green Coast Award from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) for the 2025/26 season.
Final Action Plan for baboons includes a sanctuary, fencing, waste strategy
The Cape Peninsula Baboon Management Joint Task Team (CPBMJTT) consisting of representatives from SANParks, CapeNature, and the City of Cape Town, has finalised and adopted the Action Plan which details the practical implementation of the Cape Peninsula Baboon Strategic Management Plan
Outeniqua Nature Reserve introduces permit fee from December 2025
CapeNature will introduce a permit fee at Outeniqua World Heritage Site and Nature Reserve from 15 December 2025. All revenue generated through the fee will go directly towards conservation initiatives to keep the reserve clean, safe, and enjoyable for all visitors.
New record-breaking Helihack pine clearing at Boosmansbos
A successful Helihack operation has cleared a further 16 276 invasive pine trees, which covered 2 500 hectares from the slopes of the Boosmansbos Wilderness Area. From 7–9 November 2025, 21 volunteers were airlifted into the rugged mountain peaks to tackle areas otherwise impossible to reach.