Cheryl Phillips, head of economic development and tourism at the Drakenstein Local Municipality, represented the entity at Africa’s Travel Indaba, hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Image: Sipho Jack
In the heart of South Africa’s Cape Winelands lie the often underappreciated tourism destinations of Wellington and Paarl, located within the Drakenstein Local Municipality.
Cheryl Phillips, head of economic development and tourism for the region, represented Drakenstein at Africa’s Travel Indaba, hosted at the Durban International Convention Centre this week.
The Drakenstein municipality is widely recognised as one of South Africa’s best-run secondary cities, having received accolades for its commitment to good governance.
Phillips spoke passionately about the potential of Drakenstein, an area known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage, making it a sought-after travel destination.
“Tourism is a key sector that we need to promote,” she said.
Unlike many visitors who flock to Cape Town, travellers are being encouraged to explore the range of experiences available just 60 kilometres away.
The region features striking mountain ranges and expansive open spaces, often compared in beauty to the Drakensberg.
Outdoor enthusiasts are offered a variety of activities, with Drakenstein boasting strong infrastructure for sport and adventure tourism. The area successfully hosted three stages of the prestigious ABSA Cape Epic mountain biking event last year.
Its diverse tourism offering also includes hiking trails, golf courses and luxury spa retreats.
“We pride ourselves on the wide array of offerings,” Phillips said, adding that intergenerational family holidays are becoming increasingly popular.
While Drakenstein offers a wide range of tourist attractions, the region also faces challenges. Phillips noted that water sustainability remains a key concern.
“As a well-run municipality, we are committed to ensuring sustainability is a priority,” she said.
As a result, the municipality has aligned its planning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030, focusing on water resilience, energy efficiency and broader sustainable development practices.
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