Exposure of a general unknown quality
pollinating
The last few months showed a good international media interest in Robertson as destination (and, gratefully, Soekershof played a significant part in this). Not only in South Africa but also abroad there is a slowly growing consciousness that there is more to South Africa than the Big Four (Cape Town, Addo, Kruger and Garden Route). We endeavour that, to the benefit of all role players within the Robertson Wine Valley, this area has the potential of becoming number 5. What Robertson has to offer is quality of life and a glass of good wine goes well together with this great life in the country side. Media exposure has promoted Robinson in amongst other INDWE (inflight magazine South African Airlines), Home & Garden, National Geographic Travel, Mail & Guardian, SculptureNet (USA), Sunday Times (UK) and Saturday Star. In the near future we expect publications in, amongst others, Country Life SA and The Independent (UK).
Cuddle
What Robertson has to offer is unexpected diversity from excellent wine cellars, olive tasting, boat cruises and ‘haute cuisine’ to game drive, nature reserves, gardens, bicycle rentals, Victorian architecture, Dharma Centre and wellness; all ingredients for great quality time with the whole family.
Diverse blog sites on the internet such as http://qualityoflifeinsouthafrica.wordpress.com can add extra value to this destination.
The wide variety of accommodation (from budget friendly camping sites to 5 star) in and around the valley is another great asset.
Robertson is ready for the world.
Marketing
Have a break
Last year Soekershof, also known as The Green Cathedral of South Africa, started with the implementation of a new marketing plan as developed in co-junction with Market Tree in Houtbay and FreshTake in Cape Town (in the background with support of diverse marketing specialists in the UK, USA and Holland). Although a few years more to go with this phase-wise implementation the new marketing strategy seems to spread the benefits of tourism in the whole area with a slowly growing number visitors and an increasing added value (plant sales of Soekershof Signature and locally handcrafted gifts) as well as support to local entrepreneurs as shops, restaurants and wine cellars. As the highlighted attraction in this valley Soekershof is described in the latest edition of The Lonely Planet guidebook. Also the unique more sustainable agreements with tour operators within South Africa and abroad will generate extra visitors; inclusive so called ‘incentive tours’ with added value (Soekershof Signature handcrafted gifts by local entrepreneurs and locally produced quality wines as memento included in package). The certificate of Fair Trade in Tourism in South Africa and the initiative for Land Art Project in South Africa are mostly recognised as such in overseas markets.
