Betway SA20 Media Visit Highlights Economic Spin-Offs for the West Coast.
The West Coast District Municipality (WCDM), in partnership with Wesgro, recently hosted a delegation of Indian media representatives covering the Betway SA20 cricket competition, exposing them to the diverse tourism offerings of the West Coast region. The visit aimed to showcase the area’s unique attractions while reinforcing the economic value of major sporting events beyond their host cities.
While Betway SA20 matches in the Western Cape were staged in Cape Town and Paarl, the media programme intentionally extended into the West Coast. This formed part of a broader strategy to demonstrate how large-scale events create tourism spill-over opportunities for surrounding destinations. The visiting journalists, all first-time visitors to the West Coast, experienced a curated familiarisation programme highlighting the region’s tourism, cultural, and nature-based assets.
According to Heinrich Robertson, responsible for Destination Marketing at the West Coast District Municipality, events of this magnitude play a critical role in strengthening the regional tourism value chain.
“Major sporting events drive demand well beyond the stadiums. The West Coast benefits from visitors seeking alternative experiences before and after match days, which directly supports local accommodation establishments, attractions, tour operators, and small businesses,” said Robertson.
A visit to !Khwattu Nature Reserve highlighted the region’s rich cultural and heritage offerings, reinforcing the West Coast’s positioning as a complementary destination to Cape Town. With easy access and a distinct visitor experience, the region is well placed to convert event-driven travel into longer stays and increased regional spend.
The media delegation also visited the renowned Kloovenberg Wine Estate and Eight Feet Village in the Riebeek Valley, further showcasing the West Coast’s diverse lifestyle, culinary, and agritourism appeal.
This initiative aligns with Wesgro’s strategic focus on the Indian market, leveraging global sporting platforms such as Betway SA20 to enhance destination awareness, encourage geographic spread, and maximise the economic impact of major events across the Western Cape.
Weskus Tourism
Swartland Tourism
BetwaySA20
Wesgro
