The initiative will centre on strategic skills development, supporting women across the tourism sector to build the confidence, knowledge and networks to grow their careers and contribute to the industry’s future. 

While the global share of tourism and hospitality board seats held by women doubled from 16% in 2013 to 33% in 2025, representation still thins out at the top. A recent World Travel & Tourism Council study shows that they hold just 42% of mid-management positions and only 7% of CEO or chair roles. 

“As demand accelerates globally for inclusive leadership in travel and hospitality, we’re working to ensure that the effective upliftment of women in tourism remains a priority,” said Megan De Jager, Portfolio Director for Travel, Tourism and Sports at RX Africa. 

Voted Mentor of the Year at the 2026 Women in MICE Awards, De Jager believes genuine progress in gender empowerment calls for more than creating leadership opportunities for women. It requires intentional focus on professional development and support to help them succeed when they get there. 

“Women have an enormous role to play in deciding our industry’s future, but leadership is not only about the positions we hold. It is also about having the confidence to use our voices, share our ideas, and recognise the value we bring,” she added. 

Amongst the planned highlights for WiT 2027 is “Empowering Female Leadership in Tourism”, an interactive workshop exploring high-impact topics including strategic decision-making, adaptive leadership, personal and corporate branding, mentorship and networking.  

This dedicated session will follow the Women in MICE Breakfast, welcoming women working across the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector and providing a platform to launch new categories for the Women in MICE Awards 2027. Further details will be announced closer to the show.  

This Women’s Month, the message is clear: women already represent one of tourism’s greatest resources. WTM Africa 2027 aims to create more opportunities for them to develop their skills and step forward with the confidence to contribute at every level of the industry. 

Love them or hate them, end-of-year celebrations are a staple on the corporate calendar. They’ve become an important part of team building, a way to share company results and set out plans for the new year and, more recently, a chance to bring hybrid teams together for a day (or evening) of in-person bonding. But rule of thumb? If you haven’t secured your date, venue and suppliers by end-August or beginning of September, pickings will be slim.

“Year-end remains the event South African businesses take most seriously, so it’s best to plan – and commit – as early as possible. Especially if you’re looking for a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night in November or December,” says Lance Nkwe, Business Leader at FCM Meetings & Events South Africa. “We’re already taking briefs for everything from small team lunches to three-day events.”

Peak season for year-end functions ends around 15 December, with 16 December being the Day of Reconciliation, a public holiday in South Africa. This year it falls on a Wednesday, so most companies will want to wrap up festivities by Friday 11 December before staff head off on leave. And the time always goes quicker than you think.

What companies are booking

As Nkwe explains, larger organisations are leaning into multi-part celebrations that fold several moments into one programme: a team-building session, a conference covering results and the year ahead, then awards, a gala dinner and an after-party. Leaner teams are keeping it simpler, with a team build followed by a relaxed lunch and drinks.

Format choices are firming up too. Dinners are landing as either seated or canapé, while lunches split between buffet setups, harvest tables and restaurant bookings for smaller groups.

“Some clients want the full arc across a day or two, others just want a great team build with a good meal to close,” says Nkwe. “Both work; it’s about matching the format to the team and deciding on the mood you’re after.”

The trends shaping the festive season

Importantly, it doesn’t have to be boring. The clearest shift is away from the rigid sit-down dinner towards more “immersive” formats where entertainment is built into every aspect of the programme. Locally, the return of Madame Zingara (now The Royal Countess Zingara) has raised the bar, its theatrical “tent of dreams” pairing a four-course feast with cabaret, acrobats, comedians, singers and eccentric performances delivered around and above the dining tables. The countess aside, more and more thought is being given to MCs, music and moments of spectacle. Not to mention interesting venues. Think craft breweries or speakeasys, for example, Nine Lives, which is tucked between floors four and five of Hyde Johannesburg Rosebank and known for its 1970s glamour, Asian-inspired menu and the novel thrill of having to find it first…

Of course, broader trends are playing out too. Sober-inclusive menus are maturing, with creative zero-proof cocktail bars sitting alongside premium wines and spirits rather than added as an afterthought. Sustainability remains an important consideration, with procurement teams and planners looking for eco-certified venues, seasonal local menus and a lighter touch on single-use décor.

Corporates are playing with catering too. Think food trucks, grazing tables and ice-cream stations. Increasingly, the food flows with the event, from welcome drinks through to late-night bites, rather than one fixed sitting.

Team building: all fun, zero cringe

Team building has shaken off its reputation for forced participation and “trust falls”. The move is towards experiences people actually want to show up for, often getting teams out of the boardroom and into the city.

“Amazing Race, Survivor and digi-hunt formats still land well,” says Nkwe. “But clients are definitely getting more creative with their requests.”

In Johannesburg, a tuk-tuk tour through Soweto has become a firm favourite, winding past Vilakazi Street, Mandela House and the Hector Pieterson Museum with a kota or two along the way; Lebo’s Soweto Backpackers runs group tours from around R860 a head.

In Cape Town, consider a walking tour through the Bo-Kaap or along an Apartheid-to-Freedom route. In Joburg and Cape Town, City Sightseeing SA’s iconic open-top red bus, with its hop-on hop-off routes, is another easy way to get a team out and about.

And as everyone gets more active, padel has muscled its way onto the roster. In Durban it’s now one of the most popular corporate options going, with clubs like PadelNation and Africa Padel set up to host groups. The city’s Golden Mile also lends itself to a beach-Olympics-style afternoon of friendly competition before sunset drinks.

Whatever the format, the thinking has changed. The best days focus on genuine fun, often paired with a bigger purpose, whether that’s donating a team’s prize money to a charity of their choice, packing Santa Shoeboxes or hosting a Christmas party for a worthy school. Increasingly, team building has a purpose beyond team dynamics.

Budget: cost per head is king

After a tough year, Nkwe says that many companies are now focused on cost per head. 

“Rather than an overall budget, a client will tell us they’ve got 120 people, with a budget of R350 per head for dinner, drinks and a few special touches,” he says. “We always look for a way to make a modest budget feel generous with the right details. But you have to book early.”

For Nkwe, tighter budgets needn’t mean a flat event. Activity-led gatherings often land better than a formal seated dinner, weekday or off-peak dates unlock better rates, and drawing on your own team’s interests and passion projects often keeps the costs down while feeling personal.

But his advice remains: If year-end matters to your team, get it in the diary today. Then build an event that your whole team will love and wouldn’t miss for the world.

“Be it Bafana Bafana, the Proteas, or the Springboks, our sheer love of the game and unyielding appetite for gees continues to mobilise us,” says Antoinette Turner, GM at Flight Centre South Africa.

That sentiment applies to the upcoming Emirates Dubai Sevens, taking place from the 27^th to the 29^th of November 2026. With interest building ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia, this event, combining elite rugby, cricket, netball, and padel in a destination that does it all, is firmly on the radar. For anyone who has been saying they will get to Dubai eventually, this is the reason to finally go.

According to Flight Centre data, Dubai bookings amongst South African travellers jumped 83% between March and April, rose a further 31% in May, and grew another 14% in June. By the end of June, bookings had recovered to almost three times March levels. In short, the city’s revival is most certainly underway.

With local sports fans frothing for their next fix and confidence in Dubai travel officially climbing, here’s everything you need to know to time your trip with the Emirates Dubai Sevens.

More than just rugby

The Emirates Dubai Sevens has evolved into one of the Middle East’s largest multi-sport festivals, with fan villages, entertainment zones, and live concerts extending the experience well beyond the pitch. More importantly, for savvy South African travellers, it’s the centrepiece of a broader holiday opportunity.

“This is a chance to build an entire trip around a world-class sporting event during the best time of year to be in Dubai,” says Turner. “November brings warm days, comfortable evenings, and ideal conditions for exploring TopGolf, Deep Dive Dubai, and Danube Sports World.”

For those eager to lace up, the Dubai Run, the world’s largest free community run, takes place on 22 November. This annual mass-participation event, which welcomed over 307,000 participants last year, transforms Sheikh Zayed Road into a car-free running track, taking runners past iconic landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and the Burj Khalifa.

The booking window matters

One of the most common mistakes sports tourists make is assuming they can organise everything closer to departure.

“Large-scale sporting events create concentrated demand, and the Dubai Sevens is no different,” says Turner. “Thousands of people are heading to the same destination on the same dates, so travellers who book early get more choice, better pricing, and accommodation closer to the event.”

For South Africans, Dubai appears deceptively easy to organise independently. The city is well developed, and information is widely available online. However, Turner highlights that major events are one of the areas where booking online independently can leave you exposed.

“Flights, hotels, transfers, travel insurance, and visa requirements all need to align around fixed dates, and if something goes awry, having an expert in your corner matters.”

She offers this specific note on visas: “South African passport holders are still required to obtain a pre-approved United Arab Emirates (UAE) tourist visa, usually processed within 3 – 5 working days. Recent reports about UAE visa-on-arrival arrangements apply only to South African nationals residing abroad who meet specific qualifying requirements, not to those travelling directly from South Africa for leisure.”

Preparing for potential travel shifts

Considering recent disruptions, the Emirates Dubai Sevens organisers are continuously monitoring the regional situation in consultation with local authorities. A formal review takes place during the week of 12 October 2026. Full refunds are available if the event is cancelled entirely, or if a participating team’s country issues official travel advice between 12 and 16 October 2026.

“What’s encouraging is travellers showing a willingness to book ahead,” says Turner. “Flight Centre’s share of Dubai bookings for 2027 departures increased from just 1.5% in March and April to 5.4% in May and 3.4% in June. Still a relatively small portion of overall bookings, but people committing more than a year out tells us something real about where confidence sits right now.”

Turner highlights Flight Centre’s Dubai holiday packages carrying a Moneyback Guarantee. Should plans change, travellers can cancel more than 24 hours before check-in for a full refund, no questions asked.

“The Dubai Sevens has evolved into a complete travel experience, and the key to making the most of it really is to cover all your bases and start planning sooner than you may think,” says Turner. “As the FIFA World Cup recently proved, you’ve got to be ‘Rassie-level’ organised to execute a holiday centred around a major sporting event. Book too late, and you pay for it. Flights dry up. Accommodation prices climb. Securing event tickets is only one part of the puzzle,” she concludes.

When discussions turn to Africa’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the conversation almost always lands on the same subject: funding. Access to finance is a persistent problem but treating it as the defining obstacle misses something bigger. Most businesses aren’t held back by capital alone. They’re held back by a lack of access to buyers, to distribution networks, to strategic partners, and to the international markets where real growth occurs.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is gradually changing the trading environment, but opening borders doesn’t automatically connect businesses with the opportunities on the other side. The question is no longer whether opportunity exists, but how we can get more businesses in front of it.

Part of the answer lies in live exhibitions and trade shows. At RX, we run over 400 recurring events across 43 sectors in 22 countries, giving us a rare perspective on how businesses succeed in the right environment. What we’re also seeing consistently is how exhibitions are evolving from marketing platforms into one of the most effective and practical tools available for accelerating SME growth at scale.

Closing the access gap

For decades, exhibitions were regarded primarily as brand-building exercises. Useful for visibility, but peripheral to serious commercial strategy. That perception no longer holds, and the numbers from our own portfolio make the case: 70% of RX exhibitors are SMEs arriving to engage directly with decision-makers, test new markets, and accelerate relationships that might otherwise take years to build through conventional channels.

Zooming out, UFI’s 2026 Global Exhibition Industry Statistics confirms Africa’s exhibition industry attracts around 2.1 million visitors and 45,000 exhibiting companies annually, generating an estimated €1.3 billion (approximately US$1.5 billion) in economic output and supporting more than 21,000 jobs across the continent. Those figures speak to the industry’s scale, but they don’t fully capture what happens in the spaces between stands, in the scheduled meetings and corridor conversations where commercial relationships are actually forged.

The value of a single well-placed conversation should not be underestimated. A brief exchange between a supplier and a regional distributor can open the door to an agreement, an export contract, or an investment relationship that changes a business’s trajectory entirely. For an entrepreneur who has exhausted local demand, that is not just useful, it’s transformational.

Funding alone isn’t enough

This dynamic is especially significant in Africa, where access challenges run deeper than balance sheets. The informal sector accounts for nearly 40% of the continent’s GDP, according to the African Development Bank’s African Economic Outlook 2026. Many of these businesses will never access traditional funding channels, but they can still benefit enormously from direct exposure to customers, buyers, and commercial networks, and that is precisely the gap trade events are positioned to help close.

Funding gaps are vast and well-documented, which is precisely why access infrastructure matters so much. The global shortfall for formal SMEs stands at US$5.7 trillion, according to the Alliance for Financial Inclusion. Africa’s share is estimated at approximately US$331 billion. In South Africa, a market with a relatively sophisticated financial system and strong levels of private sector credit, the gap is believed to sit between R350 billion and R386 billion.

These numbers are often treated as the whole story. But they only tell half of it. Even where financing gaps close, a business with no route to buyers, distributors or export markets still won’t grow. Capital without customers is inert. Growth rarely happens in isolation. It happens at the point of connection, and that is the piece the finance conversation consistently leaves out.

Supporting Africa’s growth agenda

Across Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa alone, there are an estimated 52 million SMEs contributing up to 50% of national GDPs and employing as much as 93% of the workforce in some markets. These businesses are the backbone of African economies, driving innovation, creating jobs, and supporting local communities. Yet many continue to struggle to scale.

Africa’s entrepreneurs are not lacking in talent or determination. What many lack is the infrastructure of opportunity – the channels, networks, and platforms that connect potential to growth.

Exhibitions are not a panacea, and we don’t position them as one. They do not replace the need for better financing mechanisms, improved infrastructure, or more enabling policy environments. But they offer the ability to bring entire business ecosystems into a single space, at a single moment, at scale, which is something no funding programme or regulatory reform can fully replicate. The trade show floor has always been where business relationships begin. Increasingly across Africa, it is also where the continent’s SMEs are finding their next customer, their first export order, and their path to growth.

Home to South Africa’s largest concentration of award-winning restaurants, celebrated wine estates, visionary chefs and artisan producers, Stellenbosch once again invites visitors to experience why it is recognised as the country’s leading food and wine destination.

Some destinations are known for great restaurants. Stellenbosch is something else entirely.

Here, award-winning chefs, passionate winemakers, artisan producers, farmers and welcoming hosts come together to create a destination where every meal tells a story. Whether it is an intimate chef’s table, a long table feast among the vines, an innovative tasting menu or a leisurely brunch that turns into an afternoon, food is not simply something you enjoy. It is how you experience Stellenbosch.

It is this extraordinary concentration of chefs, winemakers, farmers, cheesemakers, bakers, distillers, olive producers and hospitality experiences, all within minutes of one another, that makes Stellenbosch unlike anywhere else in South Africa. Every meal begins long before it reaches the table, rooted in exceptional local produce, generations of craftsmanship and a culture that celebrates creativity, collaboration and genuine hospitality.

Recognised by the Eat Out Awards, Gourmet Guide and the World’s 101 Best Steak Restaurants, Stellenbosch continues to set the benchmark for culinary excellence in South Africa. Home to some of the country’s most celebrated restaurants and wine estates, the destination has earned a reputation for delivering world-class food and wine experiences that are authentic, innovative and deeply connected to place.

“Taste Stellenbosch is more than a celebration of exceptional food and wine. It is a celebration of the people, passion and craftsmanship that have shaped Stellenbosch into South Africa’s leading food and wine destination,” says Annemie Liebenberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch.

“Every chef, winemaker, farmer, artisan producer and host contributes to a culinary story that is uniquely Stellenbosch. Here, remarkable experiences begin with extraordinary ingredients, are brought to life by talented people and shared around tables that inspire conversation, connection and discovery. Taste Stellenbosch invites visitors to slow down, savour every moment and experience a destination where every meal becomes a lasting memory. We hope every visitor leaves inspired, already planning their return, because the very best way to discover Stellenbosch is one unforgettable meal at a time.”

This year’s programme celebrates the remarkable breadth and diversity of Stellenbosch’s culinary landscape. From intimate chef collaborations and immersive food and wine pairings to vineyard feasts, long table gatherings, heritage dining experiences and menus created exclusively for the season, every experience has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the creativity, generosity and unmistakable sense of place that define South Africa’s leading food and wine destination.

“Taste Stellenbosch is an invitation to experience the extraordinary diversity of our destination,” says Daniel Kriel, Chairman of Taste Stellenbosch.

“Whether it is an intimate chef’s table, a vineyard feast, a long lunch with friends or discovering a hidden culinary gem for the first time, every experience has been thoughtfully created by passionate people who love sharing Stellenbosch. Visitors won’t simply enjoy exceptional food and wine. They’ll discover the warmth, creativity and generosity that make this destination so memorable and leave with every reason to return.”

Highlights of Taste Stellenbosch 2026 include:

• De Warenmarkt’s interactive Test Kitchen and Pinotage & Venison Winemakers’ Dinner with Beyerskloof.
• 96 Winery Road Restaurant’s nostalgic four-course celebration of 30 years of Good Food, Good Wine and Good Times.
• HŌSEKI at Delaire Graff Estate’s Nihon Jūdan, an elegant culinary journey through regional Japanese flavours.
• Muratie Farm Kitchen’s Story Room Experience, where exceptional wines, slow-cooked cuisine and heritage storytelling come together.
• Pink Valley Restaurant’s Pink Drinks & Petite Plates experience, pairing rosé wines with beautifully crafted tasting plates.
• Warwick Wine Estate’s signature gourmet slider and wine pairing.
• Lanzerac’s guided Taste Lanzerac experience and Family Style Sundays.
• Klein Joostenberg Bistro’s spectacular long table farm brunch celebrating seasonal produce, artisan charcuterie, oysters and sparkling wine.

But Taste Stellenbosch doesn’t end at the table.

Some places deserve more than a day

Exceptional seasonal accommodation experiences at boutique guesthouses, luxury hotels, vineyard estates and countryside retreats invite visitors to slow down and stay a little longer. Wake up among the vineyards, linger over another breakfast, discover another cellar, book another table and give yourself the greatest luxury of all: another day to experience the flavours, people and unexpected moments that make Stellenbosch unforgettable.

Because the best meals are never rushed. Neither is Stellenbosch.

Taste Stellenbosch accommodation highlights include:

• 10 Alexander B&B: Stay for two nights and savour a third night free at the #1-rated Tripadvisor B&B in Stellenbosch.
• Rozenburg Guesthouse: Stay within walking distance of Stellenbosch’s historic village centre, top restaurants and wineries, and enjoy 30% off your accommodation.
• Spier Wine Farm: Book two nights or more and receive R1,600 credit to indulge across dining, wine and spa experiences.

Discover the full range of participating accommodation at: taste.visitstellenbosch.org/accommodation/

Come hungry. Leave inspired. Return soon.

Taste Stellenbosch runs from 1 August to 20 September 2026.

Discover the full programme of dining experiences, accommodation packages and seasonal inspiration at: taste.visitstellenbosch.org

ENDS

About Visit Stellenbosch

Visit Stellenbosch is the official destination marketing organisation for Stellenbosch, working in partnership with tourism businesses, local government and industry stakeholders to position Stellenbosch as one of South Africa’s leading year-round leisure, lifestyle and business events destinations. Through strategic destination marketing, visitor services and industry collaboration, Visit Stellenbosch inspires travellers to discover the region’s exceptional wine, award-winning culinary experiences, rich heritage, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Media enquiries

Roland Muller: roland@bigambitions.co.za

Madalene Manuel: madalene@bigambitions.co.za

For more information about Taste Stellenbosch, visit taste.visitstellenbosch.org

Stellenbosch, South Africa, 7 July 2026: Stellenbosch Wine Routes celebrates an important milestone this year, marking 55 years of championing South African wine tourism and the wines of Stellenbosch. The centrepiece of this occasion is Wine Town Stellenbosch, which brings together wine producers, restaurants, accommodation establishments and visitors for nine days of exceptional wine and food experiences across the region, from 25 July to 2 August.

This year’s programme also incorporates the milestone anniversary through a number of special experiences, collaborations and anniversary events.

Whether you’re a regular to the region or a complete newbie, Wine Town Stellenbosch and the Stellenbosch Wine Festival will be worth your while, serving up outstanding experiences and rare tastings. Best of all – the event prides itself on pitching the broadest insight to Stellenbosch lifestyle, to experienced connoisseurs, newcomers and everyone in between, and completely over-delivering on value.  

If you’ve ever wanted an all-encompassing way to learn about South Africa’s capital of wine and experience the Stellenbosch lifestyle, Wine Town Stellenbosch is it. All in all, this is the attraction: the chance to stay and enjoy the setting of street cafés, galleries, luxurious stays, vineyards, outdoor adventures, a pedestrian-friendly town and most memorable food and wine.

Wine Town Stellenbosch comprises a nine-day programme of experiences taking place across the region that culminates in the Stellenbosch Wine Festival, an all-inclusive walk-around tasting at the City of Oaks’ historic town hall. On offer are specialised wine tours, workshops and curated vertical tastings as well as winemaker lunches and dinners, specials at restaurants around town and tastings hosted exclusively for the run of the event. 

Wine Town officially gets underway on Saturday, 25 July, with an inaugural Wine Town Run/Walk at Dornier Wine Estate, hosted in partnership with Runventure. Participants can choose between a scenic run or walk over 10km or 5km through the vineyards.

As part of the 55th anniversary, Stellenbosch Wine Routes has also introduced Celebrate With Us, a special Wine Town campaign in partnership with selected restaurants. Diners will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Stellenbosch wine with their meal, inviting guests to raise a toast to over half a decade of exceptional wines, memorable dining and the stories shared around social tables.

The programme, with detailed information for bookings and prices, is available now at https://winetown.wineroute.co.za/.

Wine events for everyone

A host of events is on offer during Wine Town Stellenbosch, and all are popular. If you’re keen to go, best to book early as reservations are limited.

Wilder as die Wildtuin brings together chefs Bertus Basson, Drikus Brink and Michael Fuller for an extraordinary nod to South African venison, featuring game personally hunted by Bertus, paired with Stellenbosch wines and hosted alongside the winemakers for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, food and wine.

Take a Journey into Chenin Blanc, exploring the nuance of terroir at DeMorgenzon Wine Estate. DeMorgenzon’s predominantly south-facing vineyards create cooler microclimates that give rise to finely poised, ethereal Chenin Blanc — and this daily tasting experience is a chance to explore exactly why.  

Discover the magic of Muratie during its Retro Rouge Winter Wine Fest. This much-loved get-together is a celebration of Muratie’s history through vintage wine, featuring food, wine, smooth company and live music.

Simonsig hosts Vintage Day where many of its older wines are available for tasting and buying. This year, marks the 55^thanniversary of its Kaapse Vonkel, to be celebrated with food, wine and live music. Simonsig’s winemakers spend days tasting and selecting the wines to showcase, with only vintages at the peak of their maturation making the cut.

Sip and Paint Experience at Clos Malverne Restaurant while looking at wine from a different perspective! Enjoy a relaxed, creative afternoon pairing canvas and brushes with Clos Malverne’s wines. Guidance and all painting essentials are included.

Delheim Wine Estate puts on its Live Music and Cheese Fondue Sundays in its cosy downstairs tasting cellar where snug with low ceilings and rustic, candlelit tables set the scene for families and friends to huddle around fondue pots, with the cheese swirled to an authentic Swiss recipe. Live music keeps it all in festive mood.

Morgenster, one of the Helderberg’s historic estates, hosts a fun, midweek Quiz Night. Teams of six go head-to-head over a night of trivia and wine. It’s a sociable way to experience Morgenster beyond the tasting room, with the estate’s refined Italian-influenced setting providing a memorable backdrop. 

Join Narina Cloete, Blaauwklippen winemaker celebrating a decade with the estate this year, for brunch at one of Stellenbosch’s oldest farms. The event offers a rare opportunity to sit down with the person behind the wines, ask questions, and enjoy a meal in exceptional company.

All the info on the Stellenbosch Wine Festival

 The highlight of Wine Town Stellenbosch and the region’s annual calendar is Stellenbosch Wine Festival. The historic event and South Africa’s oldest of its kind, has been held in various formats since the early 1970s.

It takes place over two days – Friday, 31 July (17h00–21h00) and Saturday, 1 August (14h00–18h00) – and brings together over 60 producers and more than 200 wines under one roof. 

Each ticket includes 20 tasting tokens, giving you the freedom to work your way through the range at your own pace. Food is taken care of too – chefs Bertus Basson and Adele Grewar put together a harvest table and abundant signature small plates and desserts, all included in the ticket price. Live music runs throughout the day, and an Aquasky water station is on hand to keep your palate refreshed between pours. Tickets are R600 online or R650 at the door. 

Special offers on accommodation

Take your Stellenbosch Wine Town and Wine Festival experience to a new level, by taking advantage of accommodation discounts being offered exclusively for the run of the event. Among the participating properties are luxury stays offered at between 15 and 20% discounts. Visit winetown.wineroute.co.za for terms and conditions, and more information.

General enquiries may be directed to info@wineroute.co.za or 021 886 4310. Stay up to date with events by following @stellwineroute on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#WineTownStellenbosch #StellenboschWineFestival #ThinkQuality #DrinkStellenbosch #visitStellenbosch 

 ENDS/

A proud milestone for the region, this first-of-its-kind initiative comprised five thematic categories reflecting the essence of Stellenbosch as a destination. Following an overwhelming response of over 90 submissions across three age divisions (7-18, 19-65, and 66+), official winners were announced at the official awards ceremony on 19 June, with each receiving R10,000 in prize money:

Taste 
Culinary culture, food artisans, markets, and local produce 
Amdanda Miti | Coffee Cafe Caffeine | Mixed Medium

Wine 
Vineyards, harvest, cellars, heritage estates, and wine lifestyle 
Sheulyn Raine Hobbs | Sips of Stellenbosch | Mixed Medium

Stay 
Hospitality, architecture, boutique hotels, and guesthouses 
Jared Christopher Delport | Stellenbosch Dutch | Oil Pastels

Experience 
Festivals, cycling, hiking, university life, and the arts 
Judith A Hapgood | Crag and Bone | Acrylic

Community 
The people of Stellenbosch, their diversity, heritage, and shared stories 
Beatrice de Villiers | Church Street | Mixed Medium

Considering the exceptionally high calibre of submissions, the judging panel introduced an additional award to recognise outstanding work:

Judges Award: 
Jade Lubbe | Kuluntu | Acrylic

Art of Origin Stellenbosch submissions closed on Monday, 25 May, with official judging completed on 3 June. Each submission was evaluated independently by a distinguished panel of five judges:

• Ashley Walters, Fine Arts Coordinator at Stellenbosch University’s Visual Arts Department
• Andi Norton, Strategic Management Consultant (Art and Education); Founder of KickstART; Trustee of the Stellenbosch Outdoor Sculpture Trust and Stellenbosch Art Mile
• Jett Jooste (“Theytjie”), Multidisciplinary Artist, Photographer, Filmmaker, Visual Artist and Photography Lecturer at Stellenbosch Academy of Design and Photography
• Dr Mike Mavura, Visual Arts Curator, Cultural Strategist, Educator and Director of Pamurove Foundation
• Xenia van der Meulen, Destination Marketing Manager at Spier; Art Project and Exhibition Advocate

Following the awards, Annemie Liebenberg, Chief Executive Officer of Visit Stellenbosch, highlighted the transformative power of the initiative on their community: “Beyond the competition itself, Art of Origin has fostered curiosity and connection across the town, encouraging deeper dialogue between residents and visitors from different generations and backgrounds.”

Coert Venter, Chairman of the Art Association Stellenbosch, added: “Art of Origin has achieved what we set out to do: to open the door to every generation and every corner of our community. The diversity and quality of submissions speak to the extraordinary creative heartbeat of this town. Art, at its core, invites us to slow down and look more carefully. To be present in a moment that might otherwise pass us by. This truth sits at the heart of Art of Origin, and at the heart of Stellenbosch itself.”

Liebenberg urges the public to view the exhibition, comprising over 90 artworks, at the PJ Olivier Art Centre until 25 June. “Go experience it for yourself. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a cherished annual tradition that continues to elevate and celebrate Stellenbosch’s artists,” she concluded.

The winning artworks will feature in the 2027 Visit Stellenbosch Visitors Guide, sharing the essence of Stellenbosch with travellers across the globe and positioning the town as a destination brimming with unexpected firsts and unforgettable moments.

For those wishing to acquire any of the exhibited pieces (excluding the winning artworks), please contact the Stellenbosch Art Association at admin@stellenboschkuns.co.za.

-ENDS-

Now in its third edition, the event has evolved from an ambitious sporting initiative into an internationally recognised rendezvous for trail runners, adventure seekers, and nature lovers alike. The 2026 edition attracted participants from 14 countries across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, all drawn to Seychelles’ rare combination of technical trails and breathtaking scenery.

Seychelles’ Minister for Tourism, Amanda Bernstein, welcomed the overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants and highlighted the event’s growing international appeal.

“I am delighted by the feedback we continue to receive from runners. The Seychelles Nature Trail offers a rare combination of technical challenge and exceptional natural beauty. Participants are leaving with unforgettable memories and are already expressing their desire to return next year. It is inspiring to see runners from around the world discovering Seychelles through this unique adventure,” said Minister Bernstein.

Far more than a race, the 22-kilometre course offers an immersive journey through the wild beauty of Seychelles. Runners traverse the dense forests of Morne Seychellois National Park, rugged mountain paths, dramatic granite formations, and spectacular coastal viewpoints before descending into Grand Anse. The route passes through Port Glaud, Cap Ternay, Anse Major, Mare aux Cochons, Cassedent, and Tomassin, delivering over 1,200 metres of elevation gain alongside sweeping views of the Indian Ocean.

International athletes praised both the challenge and uniqueness of the course. French trail-running icon Sylvaine Cussot, who finished second in the women’s category, described the race as one of the most remarkable trail experiences she has encountered. UK participant Charly Pauly also highlighted the exceptional diversity of terrain and scenery.

Pakistan’s Wiqar Ahmad Nasir successfully defended his title for the second consecutive year, crossing the finish line in 2:11:39. South Africa’s Daniël Classen secured second place in 2:13:00, while Jonathan Quatre claimed third place, becoming the first Seychellois athlete to complete the race.

In the women’s category, South Africa’s Emily Djock claimed victory in 2:55:05, followed by Sylvaine Cussot in 3:02:05 and Seychellois athlete Aisha Radwan in 3:14:05.

What distinguishes the Seychelles Nature Trail is not only the course itself, but the destination experience surrounding it. Unlike many large-scale international races, Seychelles offers participants an intimate connection with nature, culture, and community, where warm Creole hospitality, pristine landscapes, and sustainability remain central to the experience.

The growing popularity of the event also reflects Seychelles’ evolving tourism identity. Long celebrated for its idyllic beaches and luxury resorts, the destination is increasingly gaining recognition for adventure, wellness, and experiential travel. Through the Seychelles Nature Trail, Tourism Seychelles continues to showcase the islands’ exceptional biodiversity and growing potential as a leading nature and sports tourism destination.

As demand for authentic outdoor experiences continues to grow worldwide, the Seychelles Nature Trail is positioning the islands as a rising destination for adventure and wellness tourism, offering participants not just a race, but an unforgettable immersion into nature, culture, and community.

From tropical forest trails to sweeping Indian Ocean vistas, the event continues to showcase Seychelles as a place where adventure meets paradise.

About Tourism Seychelles

Tourism Seychelles is the official destination marketing organisation for the Seychelles Islands. Committed to showcasing the islands’ unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and luxurious experiences, Tourism Seychelles plays a pivotal role in promoting Seychelles as a premier travel destination worldwide.

“The expansion of these awards categories was deliberate, driven by what we were hearing from the industry – that talent across every discipline deserves to be seen. Hospitality is one of the most significant contributors to employment and economic activity in this country. A single tourism job typically supports up to seven people, meaning the ripple effect extends across entire households and communities. The people powering that contribution are too often invisible,” said FEDHASA Cape Chair and organiser of the event, Lee-Anne Singer.

“Recognition is not ceremonial. It’s a retention tool and a statement to the next generation that this is an industry worth dedicating a career to,” she added.

Guests were welcomed with signature cocktails from Motsamayi Tourism Group, while the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra provided an evening of entertainment befitting the occasion. Comedian Dalin Oliver served as master of ceremonies, bringing warmth and energy to a room that needed little encouragement to celebrate.

Rashid Toefy of the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism (EDAT) and Tracy Mkhize of Cape Town Tourism were also in attendance, serving as a reminder that the health of South Africa’s hospitality industry is not a private sector concern alone, but a matter of economic and social consequence for the country at large.

“FEDHASA is here to ensure that the professionals and businesses making up this industry have the advocacy and support they need to do what they do best. South Africa’s hospitality sector is projected to contribute more than R554.6 billion to our GDP and support nearly two million jobs by 2032. Realising that potential requires investment in people and policy that enables rather than constrains, and in an association that fights for this industry every single day. That’s what FEDHASA is here to do, and evenings like Wednesday’s are a reminder of exactly why it matters,” said FEDHASA National Chair, Brett Tungay.

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards Winners:

• Hospitality Consultant of the Year: Theresa Prins, Revenue Resolutions
• Revenue & Distribution Manager of the Year: Eddie Venter, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Sales & Marketing Professional of the Year: Tricia Wood, Profitroom
• Front Office Manager of the Year: Jason Powell, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Concierge of the Year: Masood Sadulla, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa
• Executive Housekeeper of the Year: Enara Muza, The Silo Hotel
• Beverage Professional of the Year: Bekithemba Moyo, Blue Wave Mobile Bar
• Meetings & Event Manager of the Year: Deidre Raubenheimer, University of Cape Town
• Chef of the Year: Christo Pretorius, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Digital Innovation & Technology Professional of the Year: José Soares, The Capital Hotels & Apartments
• Finance Professional of the Year: Louise Waddicor, The Silo Hotel
• Talent Manager of the Year: Lee-Anne Burrows, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel
• Sustainability & ESG Professional of the Year: Sonica Matthee, Kievits Kroon Gauteng Wine Estate
• Spa & Wellness Manager of the Year: Joanne Lyons, The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
• Rising Star of the Year: Thanaa Norodien, Singer Group
• Trailblazer Award: Lance Gibbons, SA Chef Media
• General Manager of the Year: Yuri De Villiers, Shamwari Private Game Reserve
• Leader of the Year: George Cohen, Saxon Hotel, Villas and Spa

The 2nd FEDHASA Hospitality Awards were made possible through the generous support of:

Motsamayi Tourism Group, Mount Nelson, A Belmond Hotel, Access Group, TBCSA, Bryte Insurance, Ankerdata, RoomPriceGenie, StayNTouch, Smart Operator, HotelTime, Santam, FNB, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and Fuel.

The boutique travel event, held at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town, recorded a 37% increase in attendance compared to 2025, with 87% of buyers attending for the first time, drawn from 32 countries. Appointments increased by 29% year-on-year, reflecting a surge in commercial intent from luxury buyers actively seeking African experiences.

The results are striking given the broader context of global uncertainty. According to the newly released State of African Tourism 2026 report, the continent is successfully “selling certainty in an anxious world.” Because high-end safaris and luxury itineraries are typically booked 12 to 18 months in advance, and demand for established destinations remains resolute, the region’s tourism industry is not expected to be materially affected by ongoing disruptions in the Middle East. Instead, discerning luxury travellers are increasingly looking to Africa not as an alternative, but as a trusted destination of first choice.

Africa’s hotel development pipeline tells its own story: with 55% of the entire continental pipeline currently under construction, investor confidence in African luxury hospitality is at an historic high. The infrastructure is being built, and ILTM Africa’s record buyer numbers suggest the demand is ready to meet it.

The 87% new buyer figure is perhaps the most telling statistic of all. As the State of African Tourism report highlights, the post-pandemic “revenge travel” wave has crashed, replaced by a more informed, discerning traveller for whom trust is the new currency. This influx of new buyers suggests that ILTM Africa is actively converting these new markets, translating directly into fresh commercial pipelines and relationships for exhibitors that did not exist twelve months ago.

Carol Weaving, Managing Director of RX Africa, the organiser behind ILTM Africa, noted: “The travel sector has always been a people industry selling high-value, high-stakes experiences. Africa Travel Week has evolved into a powerful in-person event where technology handles the heavy lifting, and humans focus on the relationship building that defines this industry.”

-ENDS-

Issued by: Big Ambitions 

Contact: Sonnette Fourie

Tel: +27 81 072 2869 

Email: sonnette@bigambitions.co.za 

ABOUT:

ILTM Africa gives leaders in the African luxury travel market every opportunity to re-connect, build relationships and grow their business. An invitation-only event, the very best travel agents from across the globe meet Africa’s most spectacular luxury travel experience providers.

Next event: 10 to 12 April 2026 – Norval Foundation, Cape Town https://www.iltm.com/africa/en-gb.html

WTM Africa launched in 2014 in Cape Town, South Africa. In 2025, WTM Africa facilitated more than 60 000 appointment request from 70 countries with a 30% increase in exhibitors from 2024.

Next event: 13 to 15 April 2026 – Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town http://africa.wtm.com/

ATW Connect:  Africa Travel Week’s digital arm, is a virtual hub packed to the seams with interesting content, industry news and insights, and the opportunity to hear from experts on a variety of topics in our new monthly webinar series. All with the aim to keep all of us in the travel and tourism industry connected. ATW Connect focuses on inbound and outbound markets for general leisure tourism, luxury travel, LGBTQ+ travel and the MICE/business travel sector as well as travel technology.
https://atwconnect.com/

RX: is a global leader in events and exhibitions, leveraging industry expertise, data, and technology to build businesses for individuals, communities, and organisations. With a presence in 25 countries across 42 industry sectors, RX hosts approximately 350 events annually. RX is committed to creating an inclusive work environment for all our people.  RX empowers businesses to thrive by leveraging data-driven insights and digital solutions. RX is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information, visit www.rxglobal.com. 

 
RELX: is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 36,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

*Note: Current market capitalisation can be found at http://www.relx.com/investors