New body to promote tourism in Stellenbosch

Annemarie Ferns

Stellenbosch 360 and the Stellenbosch Wine Routes are embarking on a shared economy journey, uniting all role-players in the tourism industry in branding Stellenbosch as a tourism destination, with the formation of a new organisation, Visit Stellenbosch.

The board of directors of Stellenbosch 360 decided that the organisation would cease its activities at the end of June, to pave the way for the new organisation to develop its marketing strategy for the town.

The Stellenbosch 360 visitor information centre at 36 Market Street will remain open until Wednesday July 31 for a smooth transition, and to welcome those who visit Stellenbosch during the winter months.

Annemarie Ferns, CEO of Stellenbosch 360, welcomes the initiative, believing the new organisation will take Stellenbosch to even greater heights, building on the solid foundation left by Stellenbosch 360.

“Stellenbosch 360 has left a formidable legacy through its excellent reputation as leading tourism authority in the Western Cape and in South Africa, due to its pioneering marketing and development campaigns and its exceptional stakeholder relationships with international and national trade and industry. Through innovation in public private partnerships, culture tourism as a vehicle to economic empowerment became synonymous with Stellenbosch 360’s Talent 360, Dine with Locals and Business Tourism development initiatives,” says Ms Ferns.

“Stellenbosch 360 wishes to thank its members, affiliates, partners, the media and friends for their contribution to putting the town on the world map. You have been our loyal supporters for almost three decades, first, as Stellenbosch Tourism and Information Association, and over the past eight years, in its capacity as Stellenbosch 360.

“We trust that business and leisure tourism will continue to grow and that Visit Stellenbosch will, with renewed energy and vigour, attract the world’s attention to this jewel in the heart of the Cape Winelands.”

For more information about the closure of the Stellenbosch 360 office, contact Stellenbosch 360 CEO, Annemarie Ferns, at annemarie@stellenbosch360.co.za

For more information about Visit Stellenbosch, contact Jan Scannell, chairperson of the Stellenbosch 360 board, at scannelljan@gmail.com