Cape town launches green season

Cape Town has launched an initiative to bring in visitors for the off-season in an effort to make the destination more economically sustainable.

On offer is a massive range of events.

Says the tourist board "A foodie mecca and a magnet for culture and design, Cape Town doesn’t lose its shine in the cooler months. Many of its most alluring aspects are best suited to the period between May and September, when the city enjoys a mild Mediterranean-type climate with daytime temperatures averaging 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit)."

"Now is an ideal time for adventure enthusiasts to enjoy hiking, kloofing, surfing, kitesurfing, paragliding and more. The surf-swell is bigger and the waters feel warmer, not to mention that whale-watching season kicks in from July to September and that it is the absolute best time to do shark-cage diving with an almost 100% success rate due to the fact that sharks are particularly active and visibility is at its best."

"Cape Town’s nature is at its verdant best over this period with winter waterfalls running down Cape Town’s mountainsides and a magical transformation of the West Coast begins with a floral extravaganza in spring."

Also high on the list of to-do’s during the ‘cosy season’ are likely to be relaxing spa experiences (many enriched with African ingredients), and a hearty meal and glass of world-class wine at one of Cape Town’s many restaurants or wine farms offering cosy fireplaces, distinctive views and value for money deals.

With the South African exchange rate at one of its lowest points in years, Cape Town clearly offers great value for money for international visitors and, in addition, offers great discounts; meaning that the travelers’ budget can stretch even further.

This is a good time of year to experience more of Cape Town with fewer tourists, less traffic and shorter queues. The only problem will be how to carry home all the additional gifts and mementos bought in-destination.

Events to bring in winter tourists from May – September, include:

• Comedy: The Cape Town Jive Funny Festival 2014 from 26 May – 22 June
• Food Lovers Events: Good Food & Wine Show 2014 from 29 May – 1 June whilst "The Story of Food", an official World Design Capital project, runs from May to October 2014
• Wedding Planning Events: The South African Wedding Show 2014 will take place from 6 – 8 June
• Literary Festivals:  South African Book Fair 2014 from 13 – 15 June
• Fashion: Mercedes – Benz Cape Town Fashion Week 2014 24 – 26 July
• Creative: Open Design Cape Town 2014 will run from 13 – 23 August, Creative Week Cape Town from 15 – 21 September, and the Cape Town Fringe Festival from 25 September to 5 October
• World Design Capital projects, including "Beautiful Things: From Tradition to Modernity", (a look at aesthetically pleasing products) also run throughout the winter months.

Says Velma Corcoran, Marketing Executive for Cape Town Tourism; "Winter is Cape Town’s best kept secret. There is such great value at this time of year and lots to do and see. Visitors choosing winter to visit Cape Town can expect excellent value-for-money, endless options for world class wining and dining and a wide choice of spa pampering and shopping experiences. It’s a great time to travel on a budget or to really spoil yourself and soak up luxurious Cape Town for less. For visitors from hot climates, the cooler months are a welcome relief too."

Valere Tjolle

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