The latest Statistics South Africa Food & Beverage Survey (May 2026) paints a concerning picture for one of South Africa’s largest employers.

While many may view a decline of only 0.3% in real income as relatively insignificant, those operating restaurants, pubs, coffee shops and food service businesses know that these figures tell a very different story. A story restaurateurs have felt for many months – but is only now being reflected in the stats.  In real terms (constant 2019 prices), food and beverage income declined by 0.3% in May 2026 compared with May 2025.  Looking at the latest three-month period, food and beverage income fell by 0.2%, with restaurants and coffee shops declining by 1.7%, making them the largest contributor to the industry’s decline.

Seasonally adjusted figures tell a similar story, with income decreasing by 0.6% over the latest three months, once again driven primarily by restaurants and coffee shops.

These are not simply statistics.

They represent thousands of business owners who are working longer hours, carrying greater financial risk and employing millions of South Africans while trying simply to survive.

Turnover is Flat – Costs are Not

The greatest challenge facing the hospitality industry is that turnover has remained largely stagnant while operating costs continue to increase at unprecedented levels.

Every significant expense faced by restaurants has increased substantially over recent years, from electricity tariffs to food – to every single input cost.

For many hospitality businesses, these cost increases have far exceeded consumer inflation.  In practical terms, restaurants today generally require annual revenue growth of between 10% and 15% simply to maintain the same profitability.  Any increase below this often means the business is actually going backwards financially.

This is why a real decline of 0.3% is far more significant than it first appears.

Government Must Understand the Reality

The hospitality industry fully supports legislation that protects employees and customers.

However, new legislation must also be practical, affordable and proportionate.

Unfortunately, government departments often introduce new compliance requirements without fully appreciating the cumulative financial impact on businesses that already operate on extremely small profit margins.  Although aimed at improving workplace health and safety, these regulations introduce additional obligations.  Each of these requirements carries a cost.

For larger organisations these costs may be manageable.

For independent restaurants, cafés, pubs and family-owned food businesses already operating on margins often below 5%, every additional compliance requirement places further pressure on their viability.

No individual regulation may appear excessive in isolation.  The problem is the cumulative effect.

When combined with escalating municipal charges, increasing utility costs, higher food prices, rising wages and ongoing economic uncertainty, another layer of compliance can easily become the difference between remaining open and closing permanently.

One of South Africa’s Greatest Job Creators

The irony is that restaurants are among South Africa’s greatest creators of employment.  Few industries employ more people per square metre of trading space than the hospitality sector.  Importantly, our industry creates employment opportunities for people from every educational background.

Restaurants provide first jobs for school leavers, opportunities for individuals with limited formal education, practical workplace training, career development and entrepreneurial opportunities.  In a country where unemployment remains one of our greatest national challenges, this sector should be encouraged – not burdened.  Every restaurant that closes means job losses, suppliers lose customers, farmers lose markets, local economies lose spending.

The ripple effect extends far beyond a single business.

A Different Approach is Needed

FEDHASA believes there is a better way.

Government should actively work with the hospitality industry to create an environment where businesses can grow, invest and employ more South Africans.

This includes:

• Simplifying regulatory compliance for small and medium-sized hospitality businesses.
• Conducting meaningful economic impact assessments before introducing new regulations.
• Recognising hospitality as a strategic employment sector deserving of support.
• Ending the ongoing disruption to essential bulk services that is undermining business sustainability.
• Moderating above-inflation increases in rates and utility charges.
• Creating incentives for businesses that expand employment and skills development.

Hospitality is an Investment in South Africa

Restaurants are far more than places where people eat – they are community gathering places, tourism attractions, training grounds for future professionals and one of the country’s most accessible entry points into employment.

The latest Statistics South Africa figures should serve as a warning.

Our industry remains resilient, innovative and optimistic.

But resilience cannot replace profitability.

If South Africa genuinely wishes to reduce unemployment, stimulate tourism and grow local economies, then the restaurant and food service sector must be recognised as a strategic partner in economic development – not simply another industry upon which additional costs and regulatory obligations can be imposed.

Supporting hospitality businesses is not merely good for the industry.

It is good for employment.

It is good for tourism.

It is good for communities.

And ultimately, it is good for South Africa.

Behind that confidence is a sustained programme of industrial development, backed by public infrastructure investment, special economic zone incentives and private capital. The Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone has R252 billion in pipeline investment across 23 investors, according to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. Among the flagship developments is Nyanza Light Metals’ R15 billion titanium dioxide pigment plant. Construction is already under way and is expected to create around 3,000 jobs before employing up to 850 people permanently. Richards Bay is also positioning itself as an energy hub, with a liquefied natural gas import terminal, new power stations and supporting infrastructure representing almost R100 billion in additional investment.

Projects on this scale bring a steady stream of engineers, contractors, consultants, financiers and government officials into the city, some for a few days, others returning repeatedly as work progresses. According to André de Klerk, General Manager of BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay, this is translating into increasingly consistent business travel demand.

“We don’t have a high and low season like a typical leisure destination,” he says. “Our business follows industrial activity. Occupancy rises when a plant shuts down for maintenance, a delegation is in town, or a major project reaches a milestone. When that activity slows, so do we. Right now, we’re in one of our busier periods and we have been for some time.”

That level of demand has taken years to rebuild. Richards Bay’s hospitality sector was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, and just as recovery began, the July 2021 unrest in KwaZulu-Natal dealt another blow. De Klerk says the hotel had to rebuild its room rates from a much lower base, with several years spent simply recovering lost ground before new investment started driving demand rather than just restoring it.

“There have already been weeks where you couldn’t find a room in this town because two or three projects needed people here at the same time,” he says. “That didn’t used to happen.”

De Klerk emphasised the hotel’s booking window reflects the same industrial rhythm. During busy periods, guests typically book around a week in advance. At quieter times, bookings are made just four days before arrival, tied to project schedules or maintenance shutdowns.

The mix of guests checking in is changing alongside the volume. “The executive flying up from Johannesburg for a two-day meeting is only part of the picture now,” De Klerk says. “We’re welcoming metallurgical engineers overseeing technology transfer, project finance teams from Johannesburg and Nairobi, government delegations, environmental consultants, construction managers and representatives from development finance institutions. Some are here for a few days. Others stay for the duration of a project, with contracts that can run for several months.”

The hotel’s guests arrive from Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, largely to support engineering, mining, logistics and infrastructure projects, while domestic business travellers provide a reliable year-round base. De Klerk says repeat business is the clearest sign of that consistency, with companies returning on standing accounts for maintenance work, site visits and ongoing projects.

BON Hotels Group CEO Guy Stehlik says Richards Bay stands out against the other secondary cities where the company operates, across South Africa and West Africa. “Corporate demand is rarely the issue in these secondary cities. The infrastructure around it usually is,” he says. “Failing infrastructure is the constraint we run into most often outside the metros. Richards Bay is the exception. Given the scale of investment going into the IDZ, it’s no surprise it works as well as it does. If anything, it’s the market the rest of these cities could  be measured against.”

BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay has refurbished its guest rooms, public areas, restaurant and conferencing facilities to keep pace with demand. Its largest venue seats around 120 delegates, with most bookings coming from technical workshops, project briefings and training sessions.

Much of the investment pipeline has yet to move from planning into delivery. Stehlik believes the opportunities will extend well beyond the industrial sector. “Richards Bay has always had the industrial base. What’s changing is the consistency of business travel around it. As more investment moves from planning into delivery, we’ll see more people travelling to the city, staying longer and returning more often. That creates the kind of demand that gives airlines, hotels and the wider visitor economy the confidence to invest.”

The invitation was extended by Gustav Pieterse, FEDHASA Inland Chairperson, which represents the hospitality sector across Gauteng, the Free State, North West, Mpumalanga, and Limpopo. It reflects FEDHASA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that every segment of the hospitality industry, and every professional within it, has a seat at the table.

The South African Concierge Forum will be represented within FEDHASA Inland by Masood Sadulla, Golden Key Member and Chief Concierge and Guest Experience Manager at the Saxon Hotel, Villas & Spa, together with Deon Prinsloo and Kagisho Ditira, co-founders of D&D Concierge Consultancy.

“The concierge is often the first and last point of contact a guest has with a property, and in many ways, with South Africa itself,” said Pieterse. “Bringing concierge professionals formally into FEDHASA’s structures is a natural and necessary step. Their expertise in guest experience, their role in shaping perceptions of our destinations, and their contribution to service excellence make them an integral part of this industry. We are proud to welcome them.”

Founded in 1949, FEDHASA is South Africa’s recognised national trade association for the hospitality industry, representing hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, conference venues, and catering establishments under one banner. Recognised by government as the official voice of the sector, FEDHASA advocates on behalf of its members on legislative and policy matters, supports skills development and transformation, and works to create a favourable operating environment for businesses of all sizes.

D&D Concierge Consultancy, known for its bespoke concierge training, consulting, and industry development work, has played a significant role in elevating the standards and visibility of concierge services across South Africa. The consultancy works closely with hotels, luxury establishments, and concierge professionals to enhance guest experience and operational excellence – values that align closely with FEDHASA’s own.

“This invitation is not only an honour, but a meaningful step forward for the concierge community,” said Prinsloo. “Being recognised by FEDHASA affirms the vital role concierges play within the broader hospitality ecosystem, and we look forward to contributing to industry growth, strengthening standards, and ensuring a strong, unified voice for concierge professionals.”

For Ditira, the significance of the moment extends beyond the immediate milestone. “This recognition marks a defining moment for the concierge profession, giving us a long-overdue voice within South Africa’s hospitality landscape. We are ready to contribute and to grow alongside an organisation that has championed this industry for more than 75 years.”

The collaboration is expected to open new avenues for professional development, networking, and closer alignment between concierge professionals and the wider hospitality sector, reinforcing FEDHASA’s position as the home of every voice in South African hospitality.

Rob Hetem remembers the moment he understood why. At a trade show in 2006, he watched representatives of a tourism business sitting inside their exhibition stand, eating lunch, while international buyers streamed past. “No one had explained how a trade show works,” recalls Hetem, who has spent more than two decades working in tourism development and transformation. “No one had shown them how to price for intermediaries, how to approach buyers or what buyers look for when assessing risk.”

When exhibitors went home without contracts, the usual conclusion was that the businesses weren’t ready for international markets. Hetem saw it differently. The businesses hadn’t failed. The model had put them in the room without equipping them to compete once they got there.

Those early lessons shaped a different approach. SATSA CEO David Frost, COO Hannelie du Toit and Rob Hetem brought their combined development, industry and sales experience together to build a model that prepares businesses properly before pushing them towards market access.

As Hetem explains, the journey starts with the less glamorous foundations: compliance, costing, pricing, packaging and distribution, with coaching and mentoring woven through each stage. Buyers only enter the picture once a business has the commercial tools and confidence to turn an introduction into something lasting.

Building businesses that can build others

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) Tour Operator Development Programme shows how the approach has evolved. Delivered by SATSA with Hetem leading it, the Tour Operator Project supported more than 70 small tourism businesses over four years. The fifth year added an important next step.

Working with the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZN TAFA), the programme created a pathway for its strongest participants to move from business development into focused market access. KZN TAFA selected ten businesses with the potential to become commercial anchors in their regions, chosen not just for their own growth prospects but for the opportunities they could open up for others.

A capable local tour operator doesn’t need to sell a single accommodation establishment or experience. It can combine a lodge stay in St Lucia with a hiking experience in Underberg, a village homestay, a local transport provider and a small safari business.

To an international buyer, that’s one itinerary, one relationship and one contract instead of five. The lead operator handles pricing, compliance and quality standards, which lowers the buyer’s risk and gives smaller businesses access to markets they’d struggle to reach alone. One strong business becomes the commercial doorway for an entire network of local suppliers.

A model designed to multiply

“Our goal was to build ten reliable commercial anchors that could pull the rest of the ecosystem with them,” Hetem explains. He calls it “village alignment”: government provides the enabling investment, an NPO like SATSA coordinates the programme, experienced tourism businesses share what they know, and developing businesses grow into increasingly commercial roles.

Each participant contributes something different. The value is in how the pieces fit together. Rather than supporting businesses in isolation, the model builds a pipeline that keeps knowledge, opportunity and market access moving long after a specific programme ends.

That thinking is now reaching beyond South Africa’s borders. Ubuntu Travel Connexions, a Southern African tour operator turned marketer now based in Europe, has partnered with SATSA to launch the Ubuntu Incubator Programme. For 12 months, Charmaine Wardenberg’s Ubuntu will represent three trade-ready SMEs from the KwaZulu-Natal programme in the German market, at no cost to the businesses.

For the South African operators, it’s representation in a market they couldn’t easily enter alone. For Ubuntu, it’s a pipeline of tourism businesses that have already done the work to become compliant, reliable and ready to sell.

“It isn’t a new concept,” says Hetem. “We draw from the ideals of Ubuntu.” What’s different is applying that philosophy deliberately to commercial development, where success is measured not only by whether a business grows, but by how many others it brings into the tourism economy with it.

The same jointly developed approach shaped SATSA’s Desk to Desert initiative in the Northern Cape. The virtual familiarisation programme takes operators through compliance, pricing, distribution and marketing before they meet buyers, so they understand not just what a destination offers, but how to package and sell it.

From mentees to mentors

The clearest sign a development model is working may be what happens after the formal programme ends. Many participants go on to mentor other entrepreneurs, passing on the knowledge, connections and experience they once received themselves.

Thabo Modise started out selling T-shirts on Vilakazi Street before building Toura Travel Therapy. Today, known as “Thabo the Tourist,” he speaks at industry conferences, introduces visitors to Soweto’s art scene and creates opportunities for emerging artists.

Semadi Manganye and Paul Maluleke turned community guiding into GATHA, the Greater Alexandra Tourism and Heritage Association, which connects local tourism businesses while its greening projects supply fresh produce to restaurants in Sandton.

Thabo and GATHA aren’t just good news stories. Development that stops at keeping one entrepreneur afloat is only doing half the job.

The same principle runs through SATSA’s wider development work. In one initiative, 56 senior tourism professionals volunteered more than 1,000 years of combined industry experience to mentor 44 small tourism businesses over a year. Their focus was the practical commercial decisions that determine whether a business survives: pricing correctly, protecting margins, managing risk, and knowing when to walk away from an opportunity that isn’t worth it.

“These are results we’re proud of because they show that we now have development models that work,” says Du Toit. But she says success cannot be measured by business support alone. By the end of 2025, overseas arrivals had recovered to just 92% of pre-pandemic levels, according to Statistics South Africa. In her view, even the strongest enterprise development programme can only take businesses so far if the market itself is not expanding. “Readiness is only one side of the equation. We need to work just as deliberately on demand if the businesses we have developed are going to grow and remain sustainable.”

Ends

Issued by: Big Ambitions
Contact: Brenda Walters

Email: satsa@bigambitions.co.za

Tel. +27 73 061 3114

About SATSA

SATSA is the voice of inbound tourism in Southern Africa, representing over 1,100 quality assured members across the tourism value chain. As a trusted mark of credibility, SATSA-member businesses are vetted annually with stringent financial checks and adhere to a strict Code of Conduct, ensuring high ethical and operational standards. SATSA continually works to promote responsible tourism and protect travellers from fraudulent activity within the industry. https://www.satsa.com/

As Mummy Mafojane, GM of FCM South Africa explains, when it comes to domestic hotel rooms, South Africans are accustomed to a certain size and standard. In contrast, European city hotels are notoriously compact, often squeezed into historic buildings with decidedly small rooms and limited amenities. And in secondary, satellite cities in developing regions, water, power and connectivity can be hit and miss.

For the travel manager approving the trip, the rating suggests a known quantity: a decent bed, working Wi-Fi, breakfast and a front desk that answers. For the traveller who checks in, the reality behind those stars depends entirely on who awarded them, and in some markets the answer is nobody at all.

“Our latest FCM Insights Report shows that businesses are becoming more cost-conscious and more deliberate about where their accommodation spend goes, with more corporate volume moving into the 3- and 4-star tier,” says Mafojane. “Across Africa, corporate demand is holding firm, and our top African destinations are Mozambique, Zambia, Ghana, Botswana and Zimbabwe, all corridors where South African business is growing. The only catch is that a 4-star rating can mean something different in each of them, and that’s where a managed hotel programme earns its keep.”

Who stands behind the stars? Hotel classification in FCM’s top destinations

“When a company tells us a traveller had a bad stay somewhere on the continent, the booking almost always said four-star. Nobody lied about the rating. There was just no authority behind it,” says Mafojane.

How the international list stacks up

FCM’s top international destinations for South African corporates are Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, the United Arab Emirates and China (2026 FCM booking data), and even in these mature markets the stars don’t necessarily align, as the table shows.

Which brings us to what the rating actually buys. In South Africa, a 4-star property typically comes with extra space, room service, TV, secure parking and a proper breakfast. By 5-star, you’re looking at round-the-clock staffing, valet parking, 24-hour room service, luggage assistance, a business centre, and exceptional on-site facilities like fine dining and a spa.

A room in a 4-star hotel in central Paris or London is much smaller, and the traveller is paying considerably more for it. Corporate travellers paid an average of US$349 a night in London and US$531 in New York in the last quarter of 2025, against US$233 in Cape Town and US$196 in Johannesburg (FCM Consulting Insights Report 2026). A Johannesburg traveller landing in New York pays more than double the rate for a fraction of the space; the rating stays the same while the experience shifts.

What to look for beyond the star

In markets without enforced grading, the questions that actually predict a good stay have little to do with thread counts. Does the property have genuine backup power and water, meaning generator and borehole capacity that covers guest rooms rather than only the lobby? Are transfers and parking secure? Is the Wi-Fi reliable enough to run a video call, since connectivity in a business hotel is a working tool rather than an amenity? Will the card machine work, and can the rate be billed back rather than settled in cash? What are the real cancellation terms? And does the property appear in your travel management company’s duty of care picture at all?

“A star rating tells us what a hotel thinks about itself,” says Mafojane. “We look at backup infrastructure, secure transfers, payment, cancellation terms and whether we can reach a decision-maker at the property directly. Those are the things that decide whether a trip works.”

Hotel development in Africa has long followed colonial and linguistic lines, with French brands clustering in West Africa and Portuguese investment shaping Angola and Mozambique. Yet Mafojane says many of the most consistent properties on the continent are local chains.

“They build for the realities of their own markets, so a generator, a borehole and a driver who actually arrives are standard rather than selling points. In several of our top destinations they are simply the best-performing option, and traveller feedback confirms it trip after trip.”

The conclusion for travel managers is clear. Where the star rating cannot carry the weight placed on it, the managed programme does that work instead: verified properties, negotiated rates with consistent inclusions, traveller feedback that flags a slipping property early, and duty of care visibility across every booking. FCM now goes a step further, advising buyers to write travel policy around hotel brand types rather than star ratings, because brands describe the actual product more reliably (FCM Consulting Insights Report 2026).

“Companies that spend time interrogating and building their hotel programme will sleep better – and pay less – than those defaulting to star ratings in their travel policy,” says Mafojane.

*** ends ***

About FCM Travel:

FCM Travel, the flagship corporate travel brand at Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is the business travel partner of choice for large national, multinational and global corporations. We are an award-winning global corporate travel management company ranking as one of the top five by size around the world. We operate a global network which spans more than 100 countries, employing over 6000 people.

FCM are transforming the business of travel through our empowered and accountable people who deliver 24/7 service and are available either online or offline. Leveraging FCM’s negotiating strength and supplier relationships in conjunction with our tailored business travel programs, our expertise delivers more for our clients where it matters most to them.

Visit us at www.fcmtravel.co.za

Norwegian Cruise Line^® (NCL), the innovator in global cruise travel, has unveiled photos of reimagined spaces and additions to Norwegian Jade^® and Norwegian Gem^®, including the brand-new adults-only Vibe Beach Club and an enhanced Thermal Suite in the award-winning Mandara Spa and Salon.

“Listening to our guests and delivering exceptional experiences across our fleet is at the heart of what we do,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “These recent transformations bring some of our most beloved amenities to Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem, creating greater consistency across our fleet while giving guests more ways to personalise their vacation — from adults-only outdoor spaces to serene relaxation areas designed to help them unwind at sea.”

Expanded Thermal Suite Experiences at Mandara Spa & Salon

Redesigned with guest feedback in mind, the refreshed Thermal Suite aboard Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now feature three times as many of the popular hot tile loungers, a more centralised layout with an upgraded reception area, updated steam rooms and saunas, and new relaxing and reinvigorating experiences, including:

• A Charcoal Sauna thatutilises a radiant heat system with an outer charcoal layer with potential benefits of boosting circulation and releasing toxins from the body. Its warming properties reduce muscle stiffness and tension.
• An Ice Room with cold air invigorates the respiratory tract.
• The Salt Room benefitsskin health and induces deep relaxation.
• An IV Lounge, which has become an increasingly popular treatment to quickly deliver essential nutrients to the body.
• Four-Senses Loungers providethe ultimate sensory experience for deep relaxation and tranquility.

Additionally, Norwegian Jade offers brand-new Experiential Showers, featuring multiple water jets and lighting effects to help invigorate the body, as well as a Plunge Pool for brief cold-water immersion to accelerate muscle recovery, boost circulation and leave guests feeling refreshed and revitalised.  Norwegian Gem provides an updated hot tub and Thalassotherapy pool which uses massage jets, bubble loungers and countercurrents to detoxify the body and soothe joint pain.

Debut of Popular Adults-Only Vibe Beach Club & Starbucks

Both Norwegian Jade and Norwegian Gem now provide an adults-only respite with the guest-favourite Vibe Beach Club, repurposing the existing sundeck on deck 14. This exclusive outdoor oasis offers expansive ocean views, a private full-service bar, an additional hot tub, over 50 premium lounge chairs and seven new private cabanas for guests to unwind in style.

As the first in the cruise industry to offer the world’s most recognised coffee brand – Starbucks^® – across its entire fleet and private destinations, NCL adds an all-new licensed store aboard Norwegian Jade, making it easy for guests to enjoy the same favourite hot and cold handcrafted beverages, seasonal blends and sweet and savory food items as they do at their neighborhood store.   

Summer Escapes to Europe and Alaska

Now through late summer 2026, Norwegian Jade offers a series of seven-day sailings from Vancouver, British Columbia and Whittier (Anchorage), Alaska with scenic cruising through the Inside Passage and glacier regions, as well as visits to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Icy Strait Point, Alaska. Meanwhile, aboard Norwegian Gem, guests can dive into the rich history and vibrant culture of the Mediterranean and Greek Isles on a variety of voyages departing from Rome (Civitavecchia) or Venice (Ravenna), Italy while visiting ports such as Cannes, France; Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Italy; Split and Dubrovnik, Croatia; and some of the most sought-after islands in Greece. As the year progresses into late 2026, Norwegian Gem offers fun-in-sun cruises to the Caribbean and Bahamas from Tampa, Fla., while Norwegian Jade returns to Asia for immersive, bucket-list worthy voyages.

For more information about the Company’s award-winning fleet and worldwide itineraries, or to book a cruise, please contact a travel professional, call +27 087 550 3914 or visit www.ncl.com.

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

Presented annually by Travel + Leisure, the Luxury Awards Asia Pacific honours the region’s most outstanding hotels, resorts, destinations and travel experiences, as voted by the publication’s discerning readers. 

Nestled within the South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area – the only year-round whale shark aggregation site in the world, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers a distinctive interpretation of contemporary island luxury, where thoughtful hospitality, immersive experiences and meaningful connections with nature come together to create memorable stays for guests of all ages.

The awards celebrate the diversity of experiences that define the resort, from thoughtfully curated family moments and two expansive swimming pools overlooking the Indian Ocean to direct access to a vibrant house reef, where guests can discover extraordinary marine life in one of the world’s most remarkable underwater environments. 

Spanning a two-kilometre-long island, LUX* South Ari Atoll offers 192 beach and overwater villas and pavilions designed for couples, families and multi-generational travellers. The resort’s newest accommodation category, the Temptation Beach Pool Villa, features generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private pool and beach access.

For families, the resort offers a wide range of activities across the island, including the PLAY kids’ club, a dedicated programme for teenagers, island treasure hunts, creative workshops and marine-based experiences. Guests can also enjoy 40 complimentary activities during their stay, offering a varied programme of leisure, wellness, sports and discovery.

The resort features eight restaurants and five bars, with dining concepts ranging from Italian and Japanese cuisine to Indian Ocean flavours and international menus. Its award-winning LUX* ME Spa offers personalised treatments, wellness rituals and holistic therapies, complemented by the LUX* curated healthy cuisine – Keen On Green. 

As an eco-luxury resort that focuses on sustainability, guided snorkelling and diving experiences, marine conservation initiatives and signature LUX* Extraordinary Experiences, such as Swimming with Whale Sharks, allow guests to experience unique year-round whale shark encounters and to explore one of the Maldives’ most notable marine ecosystems. 

General Manager of LUX* South Ari Atoll John Rogers said: “We are truly honoured to be voted once again by the readers of Travel + Leisure Southeast Asia across three award categories that reflect the diverse experiences we offer. These recognitions are testament to the passion and dedication of our team and our continued commitment to creating extraordinary experiences that help our guests celebrate life.”

These recognitions further strengthen LUX* South Ari Atoll’s reputation as Maldives’ leading luxury island resort, steeped in distinctive hospitality, exceptional guest experiences and enduring commitment to excellence.

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 

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SOUTH AFRICA, 8 July 2026 – Lion Sands Game Reserve has been named the No. 1 Safari Lodge in Africa and the No. 4 Hotel in the World, while Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel has been recognised as the No. 1 City Hotel in Africa and the No. 35 Hotel in the World in the 2026 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards. The awards are widely regarded as one of the most authoritative benchmarks in global travel. The results are featured in the August 2026 issue of Travel + Leisure and are available in full at travelandleisure.com.

Both awards are determined entirely by reader votes, making them a direct reflection of the experiences guests carry home. Lion Sands Game Reserve and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel are part of MORE Collection, the fourth-generation South African luxury hospitality group, which becomes the first hospitality collection to hold the No. 1 position in both categories in the same year.

“We’re incredibly grateful to every guest who has chosen to stay with us and share their experience. This recognition from Travel + Leisure belongs to every member of our team who shows up for our guests every single day. Lion Sands Game Reserve and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel are extraordinary places, but it is the people within them who make them what they are. This is their achievement, and we are enormously proud of them,” said Robert More, Custodian and CEO, MORE Collection.

LION SANDS GAME RESERVE | No. 1 Safari Lodge in Africa

Set along 13 miles of the Sabie River, Lion Sands Game Reserve encompasses four lodges – River Lodge, Narina Lodge, Tinga Lodge, and Ivory Lodge – two private villas, and three open-air treehouses perched above the African bush.

Each lodge offers its own character and pace, from the family-friendly warmth of Tinga Lodge to the secluded sophistication of Ivory Lodge, while sharing the same founding philosophy: that a safari should connect guests not just to wildlife, but to the land, the people, and the conservation work that sustains both.

Artist residencies, wildlife photography masterclasses through the Creative Lab, helicopter flights over the Mpumalanga escarpment, and community experiences complete an offering that goes well beyond the traditional safari itinerary.

Both River Lodge and Ivory Lodge offer dedicated kosher kitchens – Ivory’s fully accredited – with Beth Din-certified ingredients and private Mashgiach supervision available.

Across all lodges, Lion Sands accommodates a wide range of dietary requirements, including halal, vegan, and vegetarian, with advance notice.

CAPE CADOGAN BOUTIQUE HOTEL | No. 1 City Hotel in Africa

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel occupies a restored National Monument on Upper Union Street, in Cape Town’s Kloof Street Neighbourhood, within the suburb of Gardens – a building that dates to the early 1800s and sits within walking distance of the city’s most celebrated restaurants, galleries, and independent boutiques, with Table Mountain rising behind it.

The hotel’s 29 rooms, suites, and private villa, combine heritage architecture with contemporary comfort. The Cape Cadogan Villa offers six guests a fully private experience with a breakfast chef, concierge, and wellness and beauty treatments available on request.

The hotel’s culinary reputation is anchored next door at Upper Union Restaurant, led by Amori Burger, MORE Collection’s Group Executive Chef. Her seasonally driven menu draws hotel guests and neighbourhood locals in equal measure, earning a 2025 Eat Out Woolworths One Star and the Culinary Rising Star Award. Burger’s culinary standards and training extend across the group, shaping the food philosophy at the kitchens of MORE Collection’s safari lodges as much as Upper Union’s.

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For more information, contact Sue Kelly on pr@more.co.za | www.more.co.za
View Travel + Leisure Top 100 Hotels in the World here.

ABOUT THE TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS
Each year, Travel + Leisure recognises the top hotels, islands, cities, cruise lines, airlines, spas, and more around the globe, according to the results of the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards 2026 readers’ survey. Additional information about methodology and criteria is available at travelandleisure.com/worlds-best/survey-methodology.

ABOUT MORE COLLECTION
MORE Collection is a fourth-generation South African hospitality company with a portfolio of luxury safari lodges, boutique hotels and exclusive-use villas across some of the country’s most remarkable destinations. Rooted in a family legacy that began in 1933, the business has evolved from protecting a single stretch of wilderness into a collection shaped by people, place and genuine hospitality.
Today, MORE Collection’s purpose – Great People. Strong Connections. – reflects its belief that exceptional hospitality begins with the relationships between guests, teams, communities and the natural environments that surround them. Across Lion Sands Game Reserve, Marataba Game Lodges, Monwana Game Lodge and Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, every stay is guided by thoughtful hospitality, a deep respect for place, and a commitment to creating meaningful experiences that endure long after guests leave.