“Tourism for inclusive growth” is the 2021 international theme marking Tourism Month and in specific, Tourism Day celebrated on 27 September 2021. CapeNature has worked tirelessly to deliver on inclusivity, not only in terms of access, but also in terms of local economic development. This day is an opportunity to commemorate CapeNature milestones in reaching its goals of inclusive economic growth, and a skilled and vibrant workforce.

Community engagement and beneficiation is critical to the success of any protected area management. During the last financial year the entity created 1 212 work opportunities through our SMME programme, a further 662 of direct job opportunities through our EPWP programme that benefited 67 communities surrounding our protected areas. The programme stimulates local economic development in mainly rural parts of the province focusing on job creation and skills development of women, youth and persons with disabilities.

Dr Razeena Omar, CEO of CapeNature says, “We continue to create economic opportunities through eco-tourism for various services such as housekeeping, laundry services, access control and security services and infrastructure maintenance. Public Private Partnerships and tourism concession opportunities with local partners allow us to grow our tourism offerings such as bouldering, zip lining and ferry rides, further stimulating local and regional economic development. A successful tourism industry is built through partnerships with the community, private sector and government.”