WESGRO We speak to Monika Iuel, Chief Tourism Officer at Wesgro, about the Western Cape’s vast plethora of cultural offerings, natural landscapes, and culinary delights, all of which contribute to showcasing the region as a tourist destination of choice. Link TikTok Facebook LinkedIn X Q&A WITH MONIKA IUEL, CHIEF TOURISM OFFICER, WESGRO Firstly, can you talk us through the vision, mission, and values of Wesgro? Monika Iuel, Chief Tourism Officer (MI): Wesgro, the official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency for Cape Town and the Western Cape, is responsible for promoting leis ..read more

Do: FOR RACEDAY GRANDEUR… Visit Kenilworth Racecourse, the premier destination for exhilarating horse racing experiences, high-end raceday fashion, fine dining, and unforgettable memories.   As the country’s oldest racecourse, it enjoys a special place in the history books of South African horse racing.   Spread over an area of 52 ha, the arena includes three well-maintained horse racing tracks, home to world-renowned events such as the Sun Met and the L’Ormarins King’s Plate.   The venue offers great hospitality, including restaurants, bars, and betting booths, i ..read more

One of the Western Cape’s most iconic sights, Table Mountain looms large over the Mother City. One of the New7Wonders of Nature, the eye-catching mountain has a level plateau flanked by impressive cliffs and is thought to be around 300 million years old. Distinct sandstone caves are a feature of Table Mountain, unlike most mountains on Earth. It is also home to the unique flora known as fynbos. The views from the mountain’s tabletop are superb and a favourite for locals and visitors alike; this is certainly Cape Town’s most majestic and photo-worthy landmark.  Rest assured – it’s not a ne ..read more

Golf in the Garden Route Cape Town and the Western Cape is a world-renowned golfing destination, with a diverse portfolio of courses to play, many of which have been designed by some of the world’s best golfers. The Garden Route is arguably the home of golf in the Western Cape with some of the most popular courses found here. From Gary Player to Ernie Els, there is a reason legends of the game have a base on the Garden Route.  Hermanus Recently voted by The Telegraph as one of the best destinations worldwide for watching marine mammals, Hermanus is rated as one of the top 12 whale-watchin ..read more

With its undeniable charm and relaxed outdoor lifestyle, Brisbane invites travellers to escape the ordinary and experience its spirited inner-city precincts, unique neighbourhoods, and stunning natural surrounds. INTRODUCTION Brisbane, the vibrant capital city of Queensland, is blessed with more than 285 days of sunshine every year, bolstering its natural and urban beauty.   The city is built around the winding Brisbane River, with an extensive network of bikeways and shared pathways connecting its buzzing lifestyle and entertainment precincts encouraging locals and visitors alike to ..read more

BRISBANE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AGENCY The Brisbane Economic Development Agency is the official tourism organisation that promotes the region as the ideal destination for travellers who enjoy city life with additional features. Lorelle Chittick, the General Manager of Tourism, Business, and Major Events, provides expert insights on what makes Queensland’s capital an elevated experience and a precious jewel in the state’s tourism industry. Link LinkedIn Q&A WITH LORELLE CHITTICK, GENERAL MANAGER OF TOURISM, BUSINESS, AND MAJOR EVENTS Firstly, could you talk us through the origins of the Bri ..read more

Eat: FOR AL FRESCO DINING…  Just one of Brisbane’s many rooftop bars, Lina Rooftop has a breathtaking 180-degree view of the city skyline – not to mention a pool you can take a dip in while sipping a signature spritz. Savour the flavours of the French Riviera with their decadent à la carte menu or enjoy nibbles from lounge and pool deck menus as you relax with a cocktail in hand.   FOR AN EVENING BY THE RIVER…   Howard Smith Wharves is buzzing with life from dusk until dawn. There are restaurants, trendy bars, themed pop-up bars, an award-winning brewery, and even a pop-up ..read more

Embrace Brisbane’s outdoor lifestyle and discover its beautiful beaches and secluded havens away from the city’s mainland. You can experience exciting island-hopping adventures by helicopter, relax beachside, or delve into the country’s rich First Nations history.  The Moreton Bay Region is a picturesque blend of coastal towns, vast national parks, and towering mountain ranges. Though under an hour from the city centre, this idyllic region will feel worlds away from Brisbane’s bustling urban landscape. The area offers a diverse range of dining options, including wineries, quaint cafés, an ..read more

Adorning the Alberta landscape with soaring skyscrapers and a welcoming atmosphere, Calgary is a hidden jewel of Western Canada, emerging from the shadow of the Rocky Mountains. INTRODUCTION As a city on the rise, Calgary is a gold mine for flourishing cultural experiences, hearty and delightful culinary opportunities, and enviable hospitality that draws more and more visitors every year. When basking in Calgary’s unique atmosphere, you may notice the name Cowtown bounced around the city. Denoted by the region’s embrace of wild western culture, it celebrates its cowboy roots every summer at th ..read more

TOURISM INSIGHTS: TOURISM CALGARY Calgary’s tourism industry generates approximately CAD$2.91 billion in visitor spending from more than eight million tourists every year. To support the burgeoning travel sector, Tourism Calgary, the official destination management organisation for the city, has been promoting the area as the perfect location for both leisure and business for over 60 years. The organisation strives to promote Calgary as the ultimate host city, highlighting the area as a comprehensive travel destination to markets locally across Canada and the rest of the world. Cindy Ady, CEO ..read more