CapeNature shines bright at WTM as attendance grows
World Travel Market (WTM) Africa concluded with impressive momentum, reflecting a 53% increase in attendees, indicating robust growth in African tourism. CapeNature shone brightly at the event, with proactive engagements led by Dr. Ashley Naidoo, our CEO, collaborating with significant industry figures like Tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape (Wesgro) CEO Wrenelle Stander for the event exhibition, and the African Association of Visitor Experiences & Attractions (AAVEA) Board Chair Mpume Mabuza, emphasizing our commitment to sustainable tourism and conservation.
WTM Africa provided an excellent platform for CapeNature to showcase its travel trade programme, enabling the team to engage directly with industry professionals and seek new sign-ups and partners. This event was crucial for expanding our network and fostering new collaborations, enhancing our ability to promote sustainable tourism and conservation efforts across the Western Cape. Learn more about our travel trade programme and how to get involved here: [CapeNature Travel Trade Programme] (https://www.capenature.co.za/travel-trade-programme).
The event saw tourism representatives from 88 countries worldwide gather in Cape Town. Highlights included innovative discussions and networking opportunities that underscored our collaborative efforts towards promoting the diverse and rich ecological beauty of the Western Cape. Join us in reflecting on these pivotal moments.
Related News
WESSA recognises 62 Blue Flags and 19 Green Coast sites as South Africa marks 25 years of coastal stewardship
South Africa’s Blue Flag and Green Coast programmes are entering their next chapter with a renewed focus on environmental stewardship, inclusion, community participation and long-term coastal resilience, as WESSA, the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa, celebrates 25 years of Blue Flag in South Africa and its own centenary.
CapeNature visitors invited to support communities through new donation scheme
A visit to a CapeNature nature reserve can help a neighbour in need. From 5 October 2026, guests at three participating nature reserves can bring gently used clothing, blankets and other essential items for local non-profit organisations. The first phase of the donation scheme will run at Grootvadersbosch Nature Reserve near Heidelberg, Kogelberg Nature Reserve near Kleinmond, and Cederberg Wilderness Nature Reserve near Clanwilliam.
Radio network upgrade to strengthen emergency communication in Hangklip area
CapeNature and Overstrand Municipality will install a small radio repeater station near Hangklip Peak as part of an upgrade to the region’s radio communication network. The repeater will strengthen the communication networks used by both parties and improve coverage across the Overstrand municipal area, Kogelberg Nature Reserve, Betty’s Bay Marine Protected Area and parts of the City of Cape Town. Reliable radio communication is essential for the daily operations of
State of Conservation Report 2026 tracks progress and pressures facing Western Cape biodiversity
The Western Cape’s biodiversity is facing mounting pressure, with a sharp increase in the area affected by fires and more ecosystems and species classified as threatened, according to the Western Cape State of Conservation Report 2026. The report records 107 fires that burned 215 936 hectares during the 2025/26 reporting period – almost three times the 75 174 hectares burned by 97 fires in the previous reporting period.
El Niño raises fire risk as Western Cape prepares for a challenging fire season
The Western Cape is preparing for a potentially challenging wildfire season, with the developing El Niño weather pattern expected to contribute to hotter and drier conditions and an increased risk of wildfires across the province. The South African Weather Service has warned of below-normal rainfall associated with the expected strong El Niño during the coming summer season. While El Niño does not automatically mean that every part of the province will experience drought
Cape fur seal safety remains important this World Rabies Day
On World Rabies Day (28 September), CapeNature is reminding residents and visitors to keep a safe distance from Cape fur seals and to act immediately if they or their pets are bitten, scratched or exposed to a seal’s saliva. Rabies has been detected in Cape fur seals along the South African coastline and by the end of 2025, at least 176 people had been bitten by seals. While most seals do not pose a threat to people, they are wild animals and should never be approached, touched, fed or encouraged to interact with humans.