Image related to website content

CapeNature’s Tourism Month Celebration Embraces Green Investments

8 Sep 2023

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.

Image related to website content

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. 🏔️💚

Image related to website content
Image related to website content

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.

Image related to website content

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.

Image related to website content
Image related to website content

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)

Image related to website content

Jo-Ann Strauss, Jamie Domberg, Sebastian Newman, Loren Pavitt.

Image related to website content

Delicious finger foods were neatly laid out for guests to enjoy.

Image related to website content

Cape Union Mart displaying their eco range at the event.

Image related to website content

Anton Bredell, Western Cape Minister for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning.

Share:

Related News

Wilderness Nature Reserve
5 Aug 2025
Boost for freshwater biodiversity as Wilderness Nature Reserve declared

A new nature reserve has been declared in the Western Cape, marking another significant milestone for the province’s environment. The Wilderness Nature Reserve, spanning over 643 hectares, has been declared a Provincial Nature Reserve in terms of the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act (Act 57 of 2003).

MPA Day Rocherpan 2
1 Aug 2025
Rocherpan clean-up kicks off MPA Day 2025 celebrations

CapeNature kicked off Marine Protected Areas (MPA) Day celebrations with a community-driven beach clean-up at Rocherpan Nature Reserve on 31 July 2025. With school learners, volunteers, and the ever-popular Cubs Club mascot, Kai, lending a hand, all to highlight the link between marine and ocean protection and a public responsibility for conservation.

Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas Image 2
1 Aug 2025
Winning hearts and minds through Marine Protected Areas

Our marine areas are teeming with life and a variety of protection measures are used to protect the ocean, such as precautionary fishery management principles (bag limits, size limits, catch limits and closed seasons) and shipping and pollution regulations. But at the heart of the protection efforts, are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), which are demarcated areas to conserve this incredible biodiversity. MPAs can form critical refugia for some more resident species, which may become extinct without protection. All species and ecosystems form part of the overall functioning marine ecosystem and its ability to sustain direct and indirect use. The need to conserve MPAs is based on scientific evidence as well as frequent public engagement and participation in active protection of these areas.

Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve Image 1
30 Jul 2025
New nature reserve secures rare Cape Vernal Pools habitat

The Franco Three Fountains Nature Reserve is declared a protected area, marking a significant conservation turning point as the first and only reserve dedicated to safeguarding the rare and ecologically important Cape Vernal Pools (a rare and endangered type of seasonal wetland ecosystem found within the Greater Cape Floristic Region). This unique vegetation type, previously unrepresented across our conservation areas, now finds its largest protected expanse within the boundaries of this reserve.

Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve Outdoors
28 Jul 2025
Biodiversity crime often overlooked but its impact is devastating

Biodiversity crime is a growing and often overlooked threat that directly harms South Africa’s unique ecosystems. From the illegal plant trade in the Western Cape to poaching and even picking wildflowers in protected areas without a permit, these acts all contribute to the degradation of biodiversity and the loss of crucial natural resources.

Minister Anton Bredell at EPWP Event July 2025 1
22 Jul 2025
New EPWP intake launches careers in conservation and eco-tourism in the Western Cape

CapeNature has welcomed 475 new participants into a three-year Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) cycle, emphasising its commitment to skills development, conservation, and community upliftment across the province.

A small cohort of these participants, based at Kogelberg and Stony Point Nature Reserves, were officially welcomed at an event hosted at Kogelberg and led by Western Cape Provincial Minister of Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Anton Bredell.