Knysna Plett Herald: Plett nominated as Africa’s leading beach destination

Once again, Plett’s beaches stand shoulder to shoulder with the best African beach destinations as a nominee for Africa’s Leading Beach Destination award in the World Travel Awards.

This is the 16th year that Plett has been nominated alongside exceptional global destinations from across the continent: Cape Town, Diani Beach, Bazaruto, Cape Maclear, Dakhla, Zanzibar, Nungwi Beach and Sharm El Sheikh.

"Following a win in 2020 and a 2024 nomination as the Best Beach Destination in the World, Plett Tourism is thrilled to once again be nominated as our coastal treasures are highlighted by the fourth annual Plett Ocean Festival and Marine Science Symposium from 4 to 13 July, Mission Blue’s re-designation of Plett as a global Hope Spot by Dr Sylvia Earle, and continued recognition of our six international Blue Flag beaches - and as a rare World Cetacean Alliance Whale Heritage Area," Plett Tourism said.

Netflix film

Earle is the founder of Deep Ocean Exploration and Research Inc, founder of the Sylvia Earle Alliance/Mission Blue, and the subject of the 2014 Netflix film,

The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.

Today, the World Travel Awards brand is recognised globally as the ultimate hallmark of quality, with winners setting the benchmark to which all others aspire.

Each year, World Travel Awards™ covers the globe with a series of regional gala ceremonies staged to celebrate the achievements and strengths of the travel industry, within each key geographical region.

Oceanic attractions

Plett is no stranger to awards for its beaches and marine attractions, and has developed the Plett Ocean Festival and associated Marine Science Symposium to celebrate and highlight a specific set of oceanic attractions during the winter months. 

These include the visiting whales, sharks, dolphins and marine birds that gather in and around the bay during the winter season.

"For ocean lovers, Plett really is a year-round destination. In summer, autumn, and spring, our beaches and water sports are enjoyed by all," said Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth.

'Sublime for strolls'

Added to that, Butterworth said, the southern right and humpback whales spend time in the bay through winter and spring, during their migration along the South African coastline.

"The winter months are known for particularly good whale-watching and our beaches remain perfectly sublime for strolls, hikes and rockpooling.

"Given Plett's reputation and recognition, it makes sense that, in addition to being chosen as a front-runner for Africa's leading beach destination, Plett is also positioned as a sustainable conservation, research and nature hub, especially during the ocean festival."

Vote for Plett

Visitors to Plett and the Garden Route are assured of pristine beaches, exceptional and unforgettable marine sightings, coastal trails and water sports to enjoy.

The Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, where Africa's leading beach destination will be announced, is scheduled for 28 June in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

You can cast your vote for Plett as Africa's leading beach destination in the World Travel Awards at www.worldtravelawards.com/vote.

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