Herald Live: Plettenberg Bay nominated for top Africa beach award

Beautiful tourist town Plettenberg Bay has again welcomed nomination for Africa’s Leading Beach Destination award. 

Plett’s nomination for the prestigious award comes after it claimed the title of Africa’s Beach Destination in 2020 as well as being nominated for numerous similar awards for its blue flag beaches, friendly residents and picturesque surroundings.

Beautiful tourist town Plettenberg Bay has again welcomed nomination for Africa’s Leading Beach Destination award. 

Plett’s nomination for the prestigious award comes after it claimed the title of Africa’s Beach Destination in 2020 as well as being nominated for numerous similar awards for its blue flag beaches, friendly residents and picturesque surroundings.

Plett tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said the nomination was a reflection of how residents stood together in promoting and preserving the well-kept coastal town.

“There is a great desire for each of us to be appreciated and to belong — these are important and basic needs we have as individuals,” she said.

“In the travel, tourism and hospitality industry it is more often the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes who are those heroes. 

“They tirelessly go the extra mile to make outstanding contributions . It is their commitment which makes for an exceptional guest experience.

“These individuals are often not visible or recognised for their dedication or for their commitment to excellence.”

Plettenberg Bay has been nominated for the 14th time alongside global destinations such as Cape Town, Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach in Tanzania and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt for the World Travel Awards.

Butterworth said the nomination was not just an accolade for the industry, it was also recognition of everyone who contributed to the area in terms of safety, cleanliness and management of the assets.

“The town benefits immensely as it will encourage the local municipality, the diverse community, the local tourism office and the Destination Marketing Organisation to continue to deliver service excellence.

“The entire town benefits at the end of the day with the increase of tourists, the need for new products and services, thus additional employment.”

Zanzibar claimed the title in 2022.