South Africa’s wine industry is sitting on an untapped treasure trove worth billions, and the key to unlocking it lies in transforming wine tourism into the country’s premier attraction.
Banking expert Daneel Rossouw, head of sales for agriculture at Nedbank Commercial Banking, believes South Africa’s wine industry is perfectly positioned to reach unprecedented heights by making wine tourism its flagship offering.
“South Africa’s wine industry is in an outstanding position to reach new heights by making wine tourism its superstar attraction,” argues Rossouw.
What South African wine tourism offers is nothing short of extraordinary. With 522 wine cellars spread across 23 wine routes in the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and KwaZulu-Natal, the country delivers a rich and easily accessible wine experience that rivals the world’s best.
The United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) recognises South Africa as one of only two principal wine tourism destinations worldwide, alongside California’s celebrated Napa Valley. These locations offer exceptional experiences that connect travellers with local history and tradition while providing world-class gastronomy and comprehensive tourist information.
South African wineries serve up internationally acclaimed wines paired with exceptional cuisine, captivating stories, and the warm hospitality the country is famous for – all at prices that won’t break the bank by international standards.
The numbers tell an impressive story
The financial impact of wine tourism is already substantial and growing rapidly. According to 2022 research by South Africa Wine, wine tourism contributed an impressive R9.3 billion to the country’s GDP, represented 17.3% of total winery turnover, and provided employment for up to 40,000 people depending on the season.
Click HERE to read the full article.