Tourism
Paarl & Wellington Invite Visitors to Unlock Hidden Gems
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
22 January 2026
Paarl-Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa – While tourism into the Western Cape province has experienced record numbers for the 2025/2026 season, data shows that the exceptional growth continues to favour the major tourism nodes. While tourism remains a major economic driver, supporting businesses and feeding job creation, it is important that efforts are sustained to balance growth to benefit emerging operators in secondary destinations.
This is one of the key objectives of Riddle Rally Paarl-Wellington. By putting the “venture” back into Adventure Tourism, this bold and immersive tourism experience is set to redefine how visitors explore Paarl and Wellington, encouraging South Africans to rediscover these iconic destinations through innovation, adventure and play.
Data from the Cape Chamber, Wesgro and FEDHASA Cape indicate a growing shift in preferences towards authentic and off-the-beaten-track experiences. As a unique tourism experience, Riddle Rally invites participants to venture into Paarl and Wellington for a full day of exploration, discovery and challenge. Using riddles and clues, teams must unlock secret locations across the region - from iconic vineyards and bespoke restaurants to artisanal coffee shops, independent retailers and lesser-known local gems that form the heartbeat of the Drakenstein.
Riddle Rally is not a conventional race against the clock. Rather it blends adventure-tourism with problem-solving, eagle-eyed observational abilities, daring and collaboration.
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Once the riddles have been deciphered, experiencing the hidden destinations is the goal.
Players must complete engaging challenges, navigate scenic routes, and immerse themselves in the culture, flavours and creativity of the region - all while standing a chance to win exciting prizes.
Driving Tourism, Revenue and Sustainability
At its core, Riddle Rally Paarl-Wellington is about boosting local tourism in an innovative and sustainable way. The initiative has three primary objectives:
● Encouraging repeat visits by attracting tourists from outside the region to explore Paarl and Wellington regularly;
● Driving direct tourism-spend into local businesses, ensuring financial support for operators; and
● Building strong destination brand awareness, by showcasing the diversity, charm and hidden potential of Paarl and Wellington
beyond traditional tourism offerings by turning exploration into an interactive adventure.
The experience creates meaningful engagement between visitors and local businesses, helping to sustain the local tourism economy while offering visitors something truly different.
A Valentine’s Day With a Twist
Whether couples are looking for the most memorable (or challenging) Valentine’s Day experience, or friends and teams want a day of unforgettable bonding. Riddle Rally Paarl and Wellington offers a fresh alternative to conventional outings - one that combines fun, competition, discovery and connection.
The Riddle Rally Paarl–Wellington kicks off at 09:00 on 14 February 2026 and runs throughout the day. Interested participants are encouraged to follow @visitpaarl and @visitwellingtonza on Instagram and Facebook, as well as @riddlerallytourism on TikTok, where entry details, event information and updates will be shared ahead of the experience.
For now, post your video using the hashtags and @‘s, telling us why YOU should be in this rally.
#visitpaarl
#visitwellingtonza
#riddlerallytourism
#chasethesunthissummer
@visitpaarl
@visitwellingtonza
@riddlerallytourism
Media & Enquiries
For more information, interviews or partnerships, please contact:
Bobby Brown Gurshell Abrahams
📞 063 125 0961 📞 073 693 2921
ENDS
Hashtags:
#VisitPaarl #VisitWellington #GoWellington #EnjoyDrakenstein #AdventureTourism #ExploreLocal #SupportLocalBusiness
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