Marine Dynamics is a shark cage tour operator in Gansbaai. Dedicated to promoting conservation, Marine Dynamics guarantee a marine biologist aboard every shark cage diving trip. They are also the only such company that has a registered conservation trust.
A successful award at the WTM would add to a list of awards that Marine Dynamics has already received, including most recently, the African Responsible Tourism Award of Best for Wildlife Conservation 2016.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve is a luxury eco-reserve located close to the Southern tip of Africa. The lodge is situated on 2500 hectares of wilderness, containing 791 plant species, of which 100 are endangered and 6 which were newly discovered in the reserve, 3 Milkwood forests which are over 100 years old, and 6 mammals of conservation concern.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve has also won numerous awards including being named as one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.
Moonglow Guesthouse is a four star rated, Fair Trade certified guesthouse located in Simonstown in the Western Cape. Moonglow Guesthouse is also part of the Transfrontier Parks Destinations, which is a consortium focused on the development of a viable and sustainable tourism industry that balances the needs of the local community with those of nature.
Tim Harris, CEO of Wesgro, said that “we wish the Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Moonglow Guesthouse and Marine Dynamics well ahead of the WTM Responsible Tourism Awards in November. Both businesses are leading in the tourism industry in the Western Cape for responsible tourism.
Responsible Tourism is about businesses and organisations becoming change makers in leading the way for tourism to be more sustainable. By taking responsibility businesses can ensure that they mitigate the negative impacts and increase the positive impacts of tourism on the destinations where they operate. The Responsible Tourism Awards are a way of recognizing the contributions that are made within the tourism industry in this regard. It is thus very exciting and pleasing to see two companies from the Western Cape in this year’s award nominations.”
Minister of Economic Opportunities, Alan Winde added that “I wish Moonglow Guesthouse, Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Marine Dynamics well ahead of the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism awards. WTM is a global exhibition for the tourism sector, and provides a great opportunity for these businesses to showcase their offering.
As part of our Project Khulisa growth strategy, we are seeking to add up to 100 000 jobs to the sector. To reach this goal, our tourism sector must be sustainable. Operating responsibly should form the foundation of any tourism enterprise, and I would like to commend Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, Moonglow Guesthouse and Marine Dynamics for leading the way. They are excellent brand ambassadors for Western Cape Tourism.”