The Cape Winelands recently celebrated the Mayoral Tourism Awards, shining a spotlight on amazing efforts to make tourism accessible for everyone. Ten local tourism groups submitted creative travel plans that cater to all visitors, regardless of their needs. The top honors went to Visit Stellenbosch for its fun family adventures, Montagu-Ashton for its breathtaking mountain rides, and Drakenstein for its thrilling skydiving experiences. This event showed how the region is dedicated to inclusivity, ensuring that all can enjoy its beautiful landscapes and rich culture.
The Mayoral Tourism Awards celebrate excellence in accessible tourism in the Cape Winelands, recognizing Local Tourism Associations (LTAs) for creating innovative itineraries that cater to diverse visitor needs. This initiative promotes inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the region’s rich experiences.
Last week, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) proudly celebrated exceptional achievements in accessible tourism through the prestigious Mayoral Tourism Awards. This highly anticipated event, covered by Cape {town} Etc, showcased the region’s firm commitment to creating inclusive travel experiences for all. The CWDM oversees 13 Local Tourism Associations (LTAs) spread across the district, playing a pivotal role in promoting local tourism. These associations benefit from substantial financial support from the CWDM, enabling them to organize events, develop programs, and highlight the unique attractions of their respective towns. Although local municipalities also contribute to these efforts, the primary source of funding comes from membership fees collected from businesses within their areas.
To further boost tourism and stimulate economic growth, the CWDM runs specialized advertising campaigns, such as the Winelands Autumn Expo. These campaigns serve as a magnet, drawing visitors to the diverse and vibrant experiences offered by the Cape Winelands. In an effort to promote Universal Accessibility (UA) during Tourism Month, CWDM Mayor Dr. Elna von Schlicht introduced a competition encouraging LTAs to design innovative itineraries that cater to a wide range of visitor needs. The incentive for participating LTAs was a share in a 360º advertising campaign valued at R100,000.
Out of the 13 LTAs, ten stepped up to the challenge, submitting entries that were meticulously evaluated based on several stringent criteria. The judging panel included Louine Griessel, development manager of the Western Cape Association of and for People with Disabilities (WCAPD), and Tarryn Tomlinson, CEO of Liveable and Able2Travel Accessible Travel. They assessed the submissions based on the LTAs’ understanding of UA, the quality of the submissions, the creativity applied to the scenarios, and the passion and knowledge demonstrated about their offerings.
“The submissions showcased a high level of quality, making the judging process challenging. We looked at the understanding of UA by the LTA, the quality of the submission, the creativity applied to the scenario, and the passion and knowledge they exhibited through the itinerary,” commented Tomlinson.
On September 26, the winners were announced, with three LTAs standing out for their exceptional proposals. The gold prize was awarded to Visit Stellenbosch, recognized for offering an adventurous and gastronomic experience suitable for the entire family. Their itinerary featured wheelchair-friendly E-bike outings, a visit to the Elemental Play Garden, and various adventures catering to diverse family needs. This award highlighted Stellenbosch’s dedication to creating inclusive and memorable experiences for all visitors.
Montagu-Ashton Tourism secured the silver prize, showcasing a range of activities, including a tractor ride on a specially equipped trailer to the top of the Langeberg Mountains. This unique experience underscored the region’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, could enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the Cape Winelands.
Drakenstein Tourism took home the bronze prize with their itinerary that included wheelchair-compatible tandem skydiving and picnicking on Paarl Rock. This innovative approach to accessible tourism activities broke barriers and redefined what is possible for travelers with disabilities.
“Tourism has reached new levels in the CWDM, and I remind you to continue soaring like eagles and to remember that eagles do not fly with sparrows,” remarked Mayor Von Schlicht. Her words encapsulated the spirit of the event, celebrating the strides made in accessible tourism and encouraging continued excellence.
In the Cape Winelands District, visitors are reminded of “A thousand things to do and then…a little wine!” This slogan captures the essence of the region—rich in activities, experiences, and, of course, world-renowned wine. The entries to this year’s Mayoral Tourism Awards exemplified leadership in Universal Access. Mayor Von Schlicht expressed her astonishment, stating, “I never knew that a wheelchair user could go skydiving!”
The focus on Universal Accessibility in the Cape Winelands mirrors broader global movements towards inclusive tourism, rooted in the ethos of universal design that emerged during the late 20th century. This movement, which advocates for design that accommodates all people regardless of age, disability, or other factors, finds resonance in the efforts of the CWDM. By promoting accessible tourism, the Cape Winelands ensures that everyone, irrespective of their physical abilities, can experience the beauty and culture of the region.
Furthermore, the emphasis on innovative and inclusive itineraries aligns with contemporary trends in experiential travel, where the focus shifts from mere sightseeing to engaging, authentic experiences. This evolution reflects the broader cultural shift towards valuing diverse perspectives and creating spaces where everyone feels welcome.
The Cape Winelands, with its rolling vineyards, historic towns, and vibrant communities, has long been a jewel in South Africa’s tourism crown. However, the recent initiatives and recognitions in accessible tourism mark a significant step forward in ensuring that this beauty is experienced by all. The efforts of the CWDM and the LTAs underscore a commitment to inclusivity, creativity, and excellence, setting a benchmark for other regions to follow.
As we reflect on the achievements celebrated during the Mayoral Tourism Awards, it becomes clear that the Cape Winelands is not just a destination; it is a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together to create inclusive and enriching experiences for all. The stories and successes of this year’s award winners serve as an inspiration, illustrating the profound impact of accessible tourism in shaping a more inclusive world.
The Cape Winelands District Municipality’s dedication to promoting Universal Accessibility in tourism not only enhances the visitor experience but also sets an example for others to follow. By embracing inclusivity, the CWDM ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can enjoy the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and diverse activities that the region has to offer. This commitment to accessible tourism is a powerful reminder of the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels welcome and valued.
The Mayoral Tourism Awards celebrate excellence in accessible tourism in the Cape Winelands. They recognize Local Tourism Associations (LTAs) for creating innovative itineraries that cater to diverse visitor needs, promoting inclusivity and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the region’s rich experiences.
Winners were selected based on their submissions, which were evaluated by a judging panel that included experts in the field of accessible tourism. Criteria included the LTAs’ understanding of Universal Accessibility (UA), the quality, creativity of the submissions, and the passion and knowledge exhibited about their offerings.
The top honors went to:
– Gold Prize: Visit Stellenbosch for offering family-friendly adventures, including wheelchair-friendly E-bike outings.
– Silver Prize: Montagu-Ashton for its unique tractor ride to the Langeberg Mountains, ensuring accessibility for all.
– Bronze Prize: Drakenstein for its innovative wheelchair-compatible tandem skydiving experiences.
Universal Accessibility (UA) refers to the design and creation of environments that can be accessed by all people, regardless of their age, ability, or disability. It is crucial because it promotes inclusivity in tourism, ensuring that everyone can experience the beauty and culture of a destination.
The CWDM supports tourism initiatives through financial backing for Local Tourism Associations, enabling them to organize events and develop programs that highlight local attractions. Additionally, they run advertising campaigns to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth in the region.
The Cape Winelands’ focus on Universal Accessibility aligns with global movements towards inclusive tourism and experiential travel, which prioritize authentic and engaging experiences over mere sightseeing. This trend reflects a cultural shift towards valuing diverse perspectives and creating welcoming spaces for all.
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