Knysna Oyster Festival | WhaleTales Blog by Chris von Ulmenstein

Tourism, Food, and Wine news headlines

* The Knysna Oyster Festival has kicked off, running until next weekend, and is estimated to generate R70 million in revenue for the town and attract 60000 visitors, says Western Cape Minister of Tourism Alan Winde. ‘The events economy is a big revenue and jobs driver, and a vital part of the Western Cape’s tourism industry. Specifically for our smaller towns, events bring much needed stimulus to their economy. Domestic travellers are the bread and butter of our tourism industry. By supporting local events, residents are able to contribute to job creation in the area‘, said Minister Winde.

* The music one listens to while drinking beer can influence its taste, says Professor Charles Spence of Oxford University, after conducting a multi-sensory study amongst 3000 drinkers. which tested the impact of sound, light, and taste. Colour and sound can affect the taste of wine. The study was replicated for beer, with a similar finding.

* TripAdvisor has launched its Smartphone App, which allows one to download the information before leaving home, Continue reading →

Events hosted in the Western Cape generated R1,3 billion for its economy in the last financial year, said Alan Winde, Minister of Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism at the Wesgro AGM last month.

Close to 200 000 tourists were attracted to the province by the 19 events, which included the Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour, the ABSA Cape Epic, the Vodacom Funny Festival, and the Knysna Oyster Festival. The largest money spinners by far for the province in terms of their economic impact are the Cycle Tour (R450 million), Design Indaba (R326 million), and the ABSA Cape Epic (R218 million).

The Minister said that the events list is diverse, reflecting the diversity of the province. Some events are held in the ‘traditional off-peak season, which is in line with the efforts to ensure the Western Cape is an all-year round destination’. Unfortunately few of these winter events benefit the tourism industry of the Western Cape, with the exception of the Franschhoek Bastille Continue reading →