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Successful Garden Route Mall Expo Showcases Local Tourism Experiences

George, Wilderness and Uniondale Tourism interns, Sesonasipho Bavuma (left) and Sinawo Feni (middle) along with WRRA representative, Ashley Overberg. Photo Credit: Garden Route Mall 

George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism proudly partnered with the ETA Expo, held at the Garden Route Mall from 27 February to 2 March. This dynamic event provided an excellent platform for local tourism businesses to exhibit their offerings, giving visitors an immersive glimpse into the unique attractions and activities available in the region.

Among the participating exhibitors were:

  • Garden Route Botanical Garden – A lush sanctuary of indigenous flora, offering forested walks, educational programs, and conservation experiences.
  • Wilderness River Safaris – A tranquil boat tour showcasing the breathtaking waterways and birdlife of the Wilderness lakes system.
  • Garden Route National Park (Wilderness Section) – A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring hiking trails, canoeing, and rich biodiversity.
  • Side Street Adventures – Offering thrilling outdoor e-bike tours, walking Wilderness village tours and other exciting adventures.
  • Vibe Surf School – Teaching locals and tourists alike how to ride the waves along the pristine coastline.
  • Eden Adventures – Specialising in kloofing, canoe trips, and adventure activities within the region’s stunning landscapes.
  • Herold Meander – A scenic escape featuring farm stays, indigenous flowers, honeybush tea, gin and other amazing products, situated within the beauty of the Outeniqua Mountains.
  • Outeniqua Nature Reserve – A paradise for hikers, offering trails that lead to spectacular mountain views and waterfalls.
  • Outeniqua Powervan – A historic rail journey through the Outeniqua Mountains, offering breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Garden Route Birds of Prey Rehabilitation Centre – A dedicated wildlife conservation initiative focused on the rehabilitation and education of raptors.
  • Dine with a Local – A unique cultural experience that connects visitors with local hosts for authentic South African home-based dining and engagement.
  • Transnet Transport Museum – Home to a fascinating collection of vintage trains, cars, and historical memorabilia, bringing transport history to life.

Other George-based experiences that participated in the overall expo included Sara Siân Art Gallery & Studio, showcasing original artwork inspired by the region; Hawthorn Boutique Hotel, offering luxury accommodations and a fine dining experience; Let’s Fly Paragliding, providing tandem flights and paragliding training with breathtaking views; Southern Cape Golf Union, promoting the growth and development of golf in the region; and Southern Cape Golf Academy, offering professional coaching and training programs for golfers of all skill levels.

Exhibitors featured captivating displays, including real-life surfboards, a five-meter canoe, e-bikes, lifelike representations of the region’s iconic species and historical train museum exhibits, making the event an interactive and visually engaging experience.  An entertainment area featured various artists and performers, such as the Rhythmical Seeds Dance School and Janine Fourie Music, as well as a large LED screen with tourism related videos.  “We are delighted to share that the expo attracted over 81,000 visitors to the mall, marking a 12% increase in foot traffic compared to 2024,” said Tumi Masango, Marketing Manager of the Garden Route Mall.

Interactive Engagements and Exciting Prizes

The George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism office played a pivotal role in distributing maps, brochures, and digital tourism information to visitors, ensuring they left with valuable insights about the region. Visitors also had the chance to win incredible prizes, including free accommodation at the Ebb and Flow Rest Camp, as well as free day visitor entries including canoe hire, Outeniqua Powervan tickets and a stunning bouquet of Proteas from Herold Meander.  Additionally, the Wilderness Ratepayers Association utilised the expo to create awareness of voting in the kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar competition.

Joan Shaw, Tourism Manager of George, Wilderness, and Uniondale Tourism, highlighted the event’s importance in showcasing the region’s diverse tourism experiences to the local community. “We sincerely thank the Garden Route Mall for hosting this expo and providing a platform to support tourism in George. It was a wonderful opportunity for residents to rediscover and appreciate the incredible experiences available right on their doorstep. From adventure and nature to heritage and culture, we encourage locals to explore, engage, and support our vibrant tourism offerings. Make memories! And right now, you can show your support by voting for Wilderness in ‘Dorp van die Jaar’. Simply send ‘WILDERNESS’ via SMS to 33157 (R1.50 per SMS).”

A highlight reel from the event can be viewed here: ETA Expo Video.