 | Celebrating Tourism Month: Drakenstein brings people and places together
29 September 2026 | Press Releases |
Drakenstein Municipality, together with Visit Paarl, proudly hosted a World Tourism Day celebration on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, at Dekkersvlei Vineyards in Paarl East – one of the area’s oldest wine farms, famed for pioneering the world’s first White Pinotage in 2007.
The event formed part of Drakenstein’s Tourism Month activities, following the official global observance of World Tourism Day on 27 September.
Guests included representatives from the Cape Winelands tourism sector and members of the Drakenstein Tourism Advisory Board, highlighting the spirit of collaboration that drives the local tourism economy.
Cheryl Phillips, Senior Manager of Economic Development and Tourism at Drakenstein Municipality, said the day was about reconnecting with home. “This celebration gave our guests the chance to be tourists in their own city – to take a sho’t left and rediscover local treasures. In a highly digital world, we must ensure tourism retains its human element,” she said.
Councillor Laurichia van Niekerk, Mayoral Committee Member for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, thanked local tourism businesses for working hand‑in‑hand with the Municipality.
“Drakenstein and the Cape Winelands are authentic destinations with authentic people. By collaborating with our partners, we are transforming our offerings in the digital space while celebrating our diversity,” Councillor Van Niekerk said. These offerings enable visitors to explore and connect with the destination better as well as prebook ahead of their visits.
A highlight of the day was the participation of tourism students from Drakenstein, who are part of the Western Cape Government’s YearBeyond programme.
For the four students, it was their first visit to a wine farm and an opportunity to meet industry leaders in the area. The students expressed their gratitude for the experience, saying it opened their eyes to future opportunities in tourism. The YearBeyond programme equips young people with life skills, leadership and entrepreneurial training, preparing them for careers in tourism and social development.
Through initiatives like these, Drakenstein Municipality continues to lead the way in showcasing tourism as a driver of opportunity, inclusivity and innovation – ensuring the area remains a destination of choice for both locals and visitors.
#DrakensteinMunicipality #CityOfExcellence
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
