The Overstrand has an opportunity to make better use of the region’s existing assets, including its UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status. This was the focus of a tourism engagement held in Hermanus today, 29 September 2026, bringing together business owners and tourism stakeholders to discuss how towns across the region can work together to strengthen their tourism offerings and activities.

Councillor Clinton Lerm, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Infrastructure Services, welcomed guest speaker Darryl David, who led the successful 2019 bid that secured the Overstrand’s designation as Africa’s first UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.

 

“Tourism is one of the things that can unlock our economy the quickest. But we need all the role players in the room. We need to work together to get people to stay longer and explore more of the Overstrand,” said the MMC.

Cllr Lerm stressed that tourism cannot be driven by the Municipality alone and called for stronger co-operation between the public and private sectors. He said the Overstrand Municipality’s role is to provide and maintain the basic services and infrastructure that support tourism, including clean and accessible public spaces, mobility and well-maintained facilities, while the private sector plays an important role in marketing the region, developing tourism experiences and attracting visitors.

“Private sector knows how to play in the tourism industry,” he said. “We need to make sure that we work together and use the strengths that each sector brings.”

He encouraged businesses and tourism stakeholders to become more involved in local chambers, tourism initiatives and other forums, and to take part in upcoming public participation processes that can help shape the future of tourism in the area.

 

The UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy status recognises the wider food journey in the Overstrand – from farmers, vineyards and fisheries to food producers, chefs, markets, restaurants and tourism businesses.

The region also has other tourism assets and accolades that can be used more effectively, including the Kogelberg Biosphere Reserve, Clarence Drive, the harbours and the Cape Whale Coast. Making better use of these assets can help encourage visitors to stay for more than one night and explore the different towns and attractions in the area.

The Municipality is looking at ways to strengthen tourism planning and coordination in the Overstrand. An investigation is underway through the Tourism Department to identify ways to improve tourism structures and partnerships. This includes considering a Destination Management Organisation and a tourism advisory forum involving people with experience in the sector.

Greater continuity is needed in tourism initiatives to ensure that momentum is maintained and built on.

Tourism structures and partnerships have often gained traction for three to four years before losing momentum, highlighting the need for long-term cooperation across the sector.

One thing is clear: the Overstrand and Cape Whale Coast have tremendous tourism potential. Realising more of this potential will take a joint effort, with the tourism sector coming to the party and playing an active role in helping to grow tourism across the Overstrand.