West Coast Way opens its corridor to tourism

the person seen in the photographs is Shameelah Kinnear, an actress, dancer, poet and the face of West Coast Way

the person seen in the photographs is Shameelah Kinnear, an actress, dancer, poet and the face of West Coast Way

Published Nov 12, 2014

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Cape Town - The newly launched West Coast Way, a biodiversity corridor from Blaauwberg to Saldanha and back to Darling, will grow tourism and create much-needed jobs in the area.

“Every year, millions of tourists fulfil their urge to see and experience the wonders of nature. Biodiversity tourism is a key source of economic income and employment for local communities, which in turn provides direct income for nature conservation,” said Carmen Lerm, a destination marketing specialist.

As one of only 35 biodiversity corridors in the world, West Coast Way is home to thousands of plant species and fynbos unique to the region.

It also boasts cultural heritage sites such as Mamre, !Khwa ttu San cultural and educational centre and the West Coast Fossil Park.

Lerm said the aim of the West Coast Way, just 25km outside of Cape Town, was to encourage visitors to return to the West Coast and to provide economic opportunities to people living in Mamre and Atlantis. These towns have potential tourism offerings, such as the Moravian Mission Station in Mamre.

The initiative forms part of the West Coast Corridor Rural Development Programme being led by an agreement between SANParks, the Development Bank of Southern Africa and the Green Fund.

“SANParks welcomes the efforts of West Coast Way which delivers on South Africa’s development objective of building inclusive and integrated rural economies,” said Willem Louw of SANParks.

Helena van Rooyen, of West Coast Tourism, said many people did not realise that the region offered a “vibrant playground” right on their doorstep.

There are several circular and interconnected routes that can take between a half to a full day to complete.

Activities include sightseeing, photo opportunities, culture, flora and fauna and cultural attractions.

For more info, visit: westcoastway.co.za.

Cape Argus

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