Three South African gems in the world of hospitality have been awarded places on the World’s Best 100 Hotels ranking: Simon’s Town’s Tintswalo Boulders Boutique Villa, The Belmond Mount Nelson and Cheetah Plains!

Global (21 October 2024) — Three South African gems in the world of hospitality have proved their cut after being voted onto the World’s Best 100 Hotels 2025 list by Fodor’s Travel!

The prestigious list was the work of 750 globetrotting writers and hotel professionals across the world who had the mighty task of narrowing down 700,000 hotels to just 100, representing the best 0.014% of hotels in the world.

Representing South Africa is Tinstwalo Boulders Boutique Villa, which got to share the Africa’s 10 Best Hotels ranking with the Belmond Mount Nelson (the Nellie also earned another acclaimed title this year as the Best Hotel in Africa per the World’s 50 Best Hotels List) and Cheetah Plains in the Sabi Sand!

Tinstwalo Boulders

For the quaint coastal region known for its famous penguin colony at Boulders Beach, the big news for Tintswalo Boulders was a big win for Simon’s Town as a whole.

The hotel was praised for its elegance and breathtaking views across Boulders Beach, as well as its proximity to the African penguins who call the beach home. Hopefully, with the hotel’s fresh spotlight, the light will also expand to hone in on the penguins that make an experience there as special as it is, given their species’ plight for survival.

The Nellie

As for the other victors’, The Mount Nelson was praised for its ever-pink and fabulous style, epic mountain views, lush grounds and its sustainable focus (including its ‘worm farm’ for kitchen waste).

Cheetah Plains

Cheetah Plains similarly scored points for its sustainable ethos, African art, the way it embraces raw and natural materials in design as well as its prime location in the Sabi Sand (especially for those who’d love to get a glimpse of hippos).

Sources: Supplied; Fodor’s Travel 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Plettenberg Bay was nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination per the World Travel Awards! A victory beyond tourism, Keep Plett Clean shares the community effort that went into getting this accolade for their home.

Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (21 October 2024) — South Africa’s own Plettenberg Beach scooped a nomination as the World’s Leading Beach Destination for 2024 per the 31st edition of the World Travel Awards in a big feat for South Africa (Plett was the only South African location nominated for this category).

While at a surface glance, this might seem like a victory in the realm of tourism, it’s actually far more so a community victory, as Keep Plett Clean shares.

Keep Plett Clean is a community organisation whose name accurately sums up their deal. Founded by Alison Bryant, Keep Plett Clean was founded on a simple principle:

“Clean, well-maintained environments enrich not only the lives of residents but also leave a lasting impression on visitors from around the world,” Alison says.

For over a decade, Keep Plett Clean has rallied volunteers to ensure that their town and its beaches are as pristine as possible.

To put that into perspective, that’s over 12 years of showing up to tuck into clean-ups and spearheading maintenance missions, no matter the weather, circumstances or whether one particularly feels like it or not.

The kind of commitment that promises a well-kept town and natural pleasures relies entirely on consistency and collective action. And to have been able to achieve that to the point of global recognition is something the whole country should applaud as an example of what we can do when we take matters that affect all of us into our own hands!

As Alison shares:

“This nomination is more than just an accolade for our beaches; it’s a reflection of the collective effort it takes to keep Plettenberg Bay beautiful working together with Bitou’s Municipality. Our volunteers’ dedication to picking up litter, emptying bins, scrubbing away graffiti, and ensuring that waste is properly managed has helped create an environment where visitors can enjoy the full beauty of Plett’s beaches and natural surroundings. The feedback we receive from hotels, guesthouses, Airbnb hosts, and tourists speaks volumes—our town’s cleanliness is noticed, appreciated, and make a real difference in their experience.”

For Alison and the team she works with, it’s far more than a matter of aesthetic value, but memories and experiences.

“This nomination is a victory for everyone involved—from our dedicated volunteers to the residents and visitors who contribute to keeping our town clean. It’s a celebration of community spirit and reminder that environmental stewardship is key to Plett’s ongoing success as a world-class destination.”

You can keep up with Keep Plett Clean, here. 

Sources: Email Submission; Keep Plett Clean 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Now, at the touch of a button, South Africa’s iconic Big 5 safari is just a ride away—thanks to Uber’s groundbreaking new Safari option, bringing the wild closer than ever before.

Western Cape, South Africa (13 October 2024) – South Africa is known for many things—stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and of course, our unbeatable safaris. Nothing quite compares to the magic of a bush trip, where the wild meets the luxurious. For both local and international travellers, it’s a massive drawcard. From the moment you step into the untamed wilderness, the call of the wild pulls you in. The roar of a lion, the grace of a giraffe, and the sheer presence of an elephant up close—it’s an unforgettable experience.

And now, thanks to a world-first initiative, you can book your next safari with just a tap on your phone!

Uber has introduced its groundbreaking “Safari” option in Cape Town and it’s nothing short of incredible. The partnership with Aquila Private Game Reserve means you can now effortlessly plan a Big 5 adventure, all from the Uber app. That’s right—at the touch of a button, a safari is within your grasp.

Here’s how it works:

With Uber Safari, you’ll be picked up in Cape Town in a specially-branded vehicle, allowing you to sit back and relax as you leave the city behind. As the iconic Karoo mountains come into view, you’ll arrive at Aquila Private Game Reserve, where a welcome toast and lunch await you. After your delicious meal, it’s time to embark on the real adventure—a game drive led by experienced rangers and guides who know just how to give you the best chance of spotting the Big 5: lions, elephants, buffalos, cheetahs, and rhinos. It’s a truly immersive experience, where every twist and turn holds the promise of seeing something extraordinary.

“We’re excited to partner with Uber to extend our bucket list wildlife experiences to their customers,” said Johan van Schalkwyk, Commercial Officer of Aquila Collection. “Uber Safari allows folks to book and enjoy an unforgettable day at Aquila, where they’ll get to experience the Big 5 in an easy and luxurious way. It’s the perfect combination of modern convenience and natural beauty, all while supporting wildlife conservation efforts that are vital to preserving South Africa’s biodiversity.”

Priced at R3,550 per trip for up to four people, this full-day excursion covers your transport, a 2-3 hour game drive, lunch, and access to the reserve’s picturesque grounds. And with the option to book up to 90 days in advance through Uber Reserve, planning your next bush trip has never been simpler.

Mzansi, we’ve got it all—sun, safari, and luxury, and now, you can have it all at the press of a button.

Whether you’re a local looking for a quick escape from the city or a visitor checking off your bucket list, this new Uber Safari option is a game-changer.

Sources: 

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The wonder that is Table Mountain had another big milestone, celebrating 95 years since the first cableway started running. We look at the best moments celebrated on the mountain!

South Africa (07 October 2024) – Ninety-five years after the first visitors travelled to the top of Table Mountain in a wooden cable car, the world-famous Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company (TMACC) is still bustling and doing what it does best – providing visitors from near and far with a memory and a lasting experience.

The story thus far

In the years since its official opening (on 4 October 1929), the Cableway has undergone three major upgrades and regular maintenance. Today, it is a familiar feature of Cape Town’s famous flat-topped mountain, but not many people know how and why the project first got off the ground.

The Cableway’s history dates back to the 1870s when there were proposals to build a railway along the mountain’s slopes to make it easier for members of the public to reach the summit. Although the initial plan was to build a funicular railway, the development phase of the project was halted by the advent of World War I.

There was little movement until 1926, when Norwegian engineer Trygve Stromsoe proposed the construction of a cableway. This planted the seed for what we now know as the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway.

A host of icons, celebrities and royals are among the millions of people who have used the Cableway over the years.

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey, musician Sting, actor Famke Janssen, actor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe, and singer Kelly Rowland are just some of the famous names who have taken a ride to the top of the mountain.

“One of the lesser-known fun facts about the Cableway is that mountaineer Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Everest, took a cable car up Table Mountain soon after his historic expedition,” says Hercules. “Hillary is quoted as saying: ‘There is probably no more spectacular place in the world than Cape Town and Table Mountain at the tip of Africa.’”

“A lot has changed since that first trip in 1929, but the Cableway remains one of Cape Town’s biggest tourist attractions, transporting approximately a million visitors annually and counting,” says Hercules.

Good Things Guy has shared many heartwarming stories with the mountain as the backdrop. From David Bester, who lived on top of the mountain with his family when he was a toddler, returning years later to see the magnificent wonder to Tatjana Smith, who got engaged on top of the mountain. It has played host to epic rescues and incredible animal sightings and won countless awards.

Anniversary celebrations

A lot is being planned to commemorate this big milestone in the history of TMACC, she adds.

If it is your birthday this month – whether you turn 95 or not! – then you have a free return cable car ride waiting for you. The free ticket option is available to South Africans in the calendar month in which they celebrate their birthday (SA ID required), and all the information you need is available on the various TMACC social media channels.

“As we celebrate a remarkable 95 years of bringing breathtaking views and unforgettable experiences to local and international visitors, we are excited to announce a special treat. During October, South Africans can buy a 95th Anniversary Special ticket at the special price of R195 (SA ID required). This special is only available online and must be purchased before the visit as you cannot buy a ticket on the day of your visit,” says Hercules.

The TMACC team is also celebrating the milestone by giving back.

“The golf day on 8 November at the Atlantic Beach Golf Estate will raise funds for the Volunteer Wildfire Services and the Wilderness Search and Rescue, two crucial agencies that help to keep the mountain safe,” says Hercules.

Capetonians can also support this golf day by booking a four ball or sponsoring any of the holes on the day or donating towards the event.

“We want to thank everyone who has visited us over these 95 years for being such incredible friends and supporters. We could never have been such a successful tourism operator had it not been for our frontline staff, our support teams, our industry peers and partners, and our fans from near and far.

“Thank you for 95 incredible years. We look forward to many, many more,” says Hercules.

Sources: Supplied

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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Timo de Jong, a 25-year-old adventurer from the Netherlands, is hitchhiking from the UK to South Africa, documenting his 200-day journey of kindness, courage, and cultural discovery for his 135,000 followers.

Global (29 August 2024) – Travelling the world isn’t just about visiting new places; it’s about expanding horizons, embracing different cultures, and gaining unique perspectives that enrich the soul. For some, the call of adventure is more than just a holiday—it’s a way of life.

Timo de Jong, a 25-year-old traveller from the Netherlands, embodies this spirit as he embarks on an extraordinary journey from the UK to South Africa, relying solely on the kindness of strangers.

But Timo is not your average traveller. At his young age, he has already explored far corners of the globe—from Japan and Latin America to Australia and Europe—using the age-old method of hitchhiking.

Now, Timo is on his most ambitious adventure yet, attempting to hitchhike from the UK all the way to South Africa. A journey that will take over 16,000 kilometres to complete. This daring endeavour, spanning over 200 days so far, started on February 11, and it has captivated the attention of his 135,000 Instagram followers, who eagerly track his every move.

“So I have hitchhiked a few times, and I tried it in April last year in Japan,” Timo shared. “It’s very expensive there, so hitchhiking seemed like a good way to save some money, and it was such a great experience.”

That experience sparked a fire within him, and soon, his travels took him to places like Mexico and all through Central America to Colombia.

When he returned to his friend’s house in the UK, he saw a map and thought, “Let’s keep going… that will work!” And just like that, a new adventure was born.

While Timo’s journey is filled with incredible stories and experiences, it’s important to note that hitchhiking is not the safest way to travel. It requires thorough research, awareness, and a fair bit of luck. Timo himself did extensive planning before embarking on this monumental trek.

He found a Facebook group of people who had driven the route from Southampton to South Africa before, gaining invaluable advice on safety, routes, and visas.

“Next thing you know, I’m on the side of the road in Southampton, trying to get a ride out towards Dover,” Timo recalled.

Having now traversed through a dozen countries—including Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal, Guinea, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Nigeria, and many more—Timo is currently in Oyo, located in the Republic of the Congo, after hitching more than 300 rides. He has around 4,000 kilometres to go before he gets to his final destination.

His journey is a celebration of human kindness across borders. Each day, he documents his travels, sharing snippets of the people he meets, the challenges he faces, and the stunning landscapes he crosses. His followers are not just watching his journey; they are living it with him, feeling every high and low, every joyous encounter, and every moment of doubt.

As Timo edges closer to South Africa, his story continues to unfold, bringing with it a wave of positivity and inspiration.

Safe travels, Timo! South Africa is ready to welcome you with open arms!

Sources: Timo de Jong | Instagram 

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Do you have something to add to this story? Please share it in the comments or follow GoodThingsGuy on Facebook & Twitter to keep up to date with good news as it happens, or share your good news with us by clicking here or click the link below to listen to the Good Things Guy Podcast with Brent Lindeque – South Africa’s very own Good Things Guy. He’s on a mission to change what the world pays attention to, and he truly believes there’s good news around us. In the Good Things Guy podcast, you’ll meet these everyday heroes & hear their incredible stories:

Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The annual Free Week is on the cards for 2024 again and it is set to take place from the 9th of September.

South Africa (19 August 2024) – The inaugural South African National Parks Week took place in 2006 and was aimed at linking the South African national parks system to the global, national movement and to also showcase the best of South Africa’s national parks.

Each year since, the SANParks group has opened their doors free of charge to people wanting to see the natural wonders of the world. This year the week is the 9th of September to the 15th of September.

On 8 September 2024, South African National Parks will host a celebratory event at Marakele National Park to kickstart the 19th annual SA National Parks Week, which will be held from 9 to 13 September 2024 and extended to 14 and 15 September at selected national parks. During this period, free access is granted to most of the 21 national parks under the management of South African National Parks.

Please take special note of the fact that free access to national parks at this time does not include free access to accommodation facilities and other tourist activities. For respective dates on when different parks will be observing SA National Parks Week and allowing free access, please visit the website here.

National Parks Week has seen an influx of day visitors in all participating parks since its inception in 2006. SANParks also uses this time to cultivate a sense of pride in South Africa’s natural, cultural and historical heritage as protected and preserved by the national parks system.

SA National Parks Week has proved to be a successful campaign that provides education and awareness about South Africa’s inclusive approach to conservation.

Whilst offering an opportunity to experience South Africa’s rich natural and cultural heritage, attention is also drawn to the sustainable development practices made possible through partnerships with key role players like communities living adjacent to national parks, business, scientists and tourists.

Sources: SANParks

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Cape Town is sitting pretty on another ‘World Best’ list, this time for Architectural Digest’s Top 20 Most Beautiful Cities in the World ranking!

Cape Town, South Africa (29 July 2024) — They say that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. But in the case of the World’s Most Beautiful Cities List by Architectural Digest, enough beholders have agreed that Cape Town is up there with the city beauties of our planet—a coveted list boasting the likes of Paris, Kyoto and Barcelona.

Architectural Digest writer Amelia Mularz emphasises that different factors of consideration went into constructing the prettiest cities list, including “architecture, cultural treasures, historical relevance” and, of course, “natural appeal”.

Well-travelled readers will appreciate that the list is diverse in that different cities speak to different combinations of the above factors. In architecture, Barcelona, Singapore  and Jaipur (despite all being vastly different in their aesthetics) reflect nodes of design innovation throughout different eras in history. While in the case of cultural treasures, Florence, Luxor and Kyoto offer exhilarating heaps of culture. And when it comes to natural offerings, Cape Town and Chiang Mai stand green and proud in their natural rhythms.

Placed at 14 on the list, Cape Town was praised as follows:

“Brilliant blue waters, buzzing nightlife, an ever-emerging art scene, and the majestic Table Mountain make Cape Town a stunning city no matter your definition of beauty.”

South Africa’s Mother City was further applauded for its natural offerings and thrills, adding to the many World Best/Favourite lists the City has scooped spots on. 

The Full World’s Most Beautiful Cities List:

1. Adelaide, Australia
2. Tallinn, Estonia
3. Portsmouth, Dominica
4. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
5. Antigua, Guatemala
6. Singapore
7. Paris, France
8. Chefchaouen, Morocco
9. Chiang Mai, Thailand
10. Luxor, Egypt
11. Istanbul, Turkey
12. Kyoto, Japan
13. Barcelona, Spain
14. Cape Town, South Africa
15. Rid de Janeiro, Brazil
16. Florence, Italy
17. Djenné, Mali
18. New York City, US
19. Amsterdam, Netherlands
20. Jaipur, India

Sources: Architectural Digest 

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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South Africa is the most popular country in all of Africa for Travel + Leisure’s Favourite Safari Lodges List! Readers chose their favourite game lodges, and much to South Africa’s delight, 3 made the Top 10 cut:

South Africa (21 July 2024) — There are few experiences quite as enthralling as visiting a game lodge, especially in our breathtaking country. For those who travel many kilometres across the sea just to catch a sight of the Big Five and those of us lucky enough to take a quick drive to reconnect with our wild side alike, game lodges are a top choice travel experience for many, even beating out costal dreams or city explorations.

Recently, game lodge lovers and readers of Travel + Leisure revealed their most favourite African lodges as part of the T+L “World’s Best Awards” 2024 survey.

The findings will come as great news to South Africans, with our country being the most popular country in the category, boasting 3 local lodges in the Top 10 out of the whole continent and the top spot!

The ratings were classified based on various characteristics from service to location with thousands of readers casting their votes.

“The 2024 results highlight a blend of time-honoured favourites and emerging destinations, reflecting the diverse interests of today’s travellers. We’re delighted to honour these exceptional places and experiences that inspire our audiences to explore the world,” said Jacqui Gifford, T + L Editor.

The jury has certainly spoken, and without further ado, these are the South African lodges that made the global spotlight:

Claiming first place is South Africa’s Monwana Game Lodge in the Thornybush Nature Reserve with a reader score of 98.90. Following in seventh place is Lion Sands Game Reserve: Sabi Sand Game Reserve with a score of 97.89. And in ninth place came Thornybush Game Lodge: Thronybush Private Game Reserve with a score of 97.83!

Meanwhile, in other epic news for South Africa’s finest natural experiences, Walker Bay has an award-winning beach thanks to the Condé Nast Traveller, with Die Plaat Beach being selected as one of the world’s best beaches!

Sources: Supplied; Travel + Leisure 

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Walker Bay has an award winning beach thanks to the Condé Nast Traveller; Die Plaat Beach has been selected as one of the world’s best beaches.

Walker Bay, South Africa (18 July 2024) – CapeNature is proud to announce that Die Plaat Beach, located within CapeNature’s Walker Bay Nature Reserve, just east of Hermanus, has been featured on Condé Nast Traveller’s prestigious list of The Best Beaches in the World. The only beach in South Africa to be recognised among a list of 34 beaches worldwide. This incredible accolade highlights the exceptional natural beauty and unique features of Die Plaat, solidifying its status as one of the most remarkable coastal destinations globally.

This 17 km stretch of beach is celebrated for its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity and historical significance. Its rich biodiversity and unspoilt natural beauty can be attributed to the protected status of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and associated biodiversity management efforts at play. The rugged backdrop of the beach is dotted by striking limestone outcrops while visitors to nearby Hermanus – the whale capital of South Africa – often detour to Walker Bay where the beach offers the ultimate viewing perch for whales passing by and seals sprawled out on the shoreline.

“We are immensely grateful that a beach, located on one of our reserves has been recognised by Condé Nast Traveller. Die Plaat’s inclusion on the list is an invitation to travellers from around the world to discover the beauty of the whale coast,” says Dr Ashley Naidoo, CEO of CapeNature.

“This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary natural beauty of the Walker Bay Nature Reserve and the hard work and dedication of our teams on the ground to keep it in pristine condition,” he adds.

Die Plaat Beach also falls within the Walker Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA), which helps to ensure that the area remains a nurturing ground for the southern right whale. This adds to the allure of the beach during the spectacular whale season between June and December every year. The reserve is also home to many species of seabirds, including the African Black Oystercatcher.

Klipgat Cave is located along the coastline, where Middle Stone Age people lived some 85,000 to 65,000 years ago. There is also evidence that Khoi and San people lived in the area about 2,000 years ago. Fossilised tracks, which were discovered in the sandstone, are being studied.

Visitors to Walker Bay enjoy day hikes along the coastline, angling, swimming and picnicking but the sea can be rough and dangerous.

With its abundant marine life, historical significance, and stunning vistas, Walker Bay Nature Reserve offers an unparalleled experience for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

Sources: Cape Nature – Supplied

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Or watch an episode of Good Things TV below, a show created to offer South Africans balance in a world with what feels like constant bad news. We’re here to remind you that there are still so many good things happening in South Africa & we’ll leave you feeling a little more proudly South African.

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The City of Cape Town’s short film ‘Choose Cape Town’ has scooped a silver award from the International Tourism Film Festival Africa thanks to the way it captured one of the world’s most-loved cities:

Cape Town, South Africa (20 June 2024) — Last week, the City of Cape Town’s ‘Choose Cape Town’ short film scooped a prestigious win at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa!

Focusing on different parts of the city’s essence guided by six themes (visit, live, work, study, play and invest), the short film understood the assignment when it came to capturing one of the world’s most-loved cities in a way that speaks to its different rhythms of appeal; inspiring people to not only visit, but keep Cape Town close to their hearts long after they’ve returned home.

Different countries around the world took different approaches to making their own campaigns. Brazil’s focus emphasised “play and study” while in Germany the focus was on “visit and work”. But when it came to little Cape Town (which is obviously not a country), the offerings are surprisingly endless (to those who aren’t familiar with the Mother City) across a spectrum of interests.

So, it only made sense for the creatives behind the campaign project to try to capture as much as possible for all kinds of adventurers, which the team did by extending the campaign beyond the short film and into shorter edits.

“We are deeply honoured to have been recognised for this film. Our goal was to capture the essence of Cape Town’s variety and inspire travellers worldwide to choose our city. I must thank our Place-Marketing team and Soapbox Films for their incredible work,” said Mayco Member for Economic Growth and Tourism, Alderman James Vos. 

Alderman Vos who accepted the silver award added that the campaign has been a priority, given the economic growth it has the power to stimulate.

Another award for Cape Town to add to its tally, and another win for South Africa to be proud of!

Sources: City of Cape Town 

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