The community of Plettenberg Bay were excited when the World Cetacean Alliance named the seaside town a Whale Heritage Site and have since seen business and tourism boom.
Plettenberg Bay, South Africa (02 August 2023) – Since the World Cetacean Alliance announced in May that Plettenberg Bay was officially a Whale Heritage Site, the seaside town has seen an increase in the number of tourists and visitors.
The Whale Heritage Site (WHS) programme is an initiative created by the World Cetacean Alliance, and currently runs in partnership with World Animal Protection, to formally recognise and accredit destinations around the world that support and demonstrate the importance of cetaceans and their ocean habitats.
These sites empower and defend the right of local communities to care for and protect whales, dolphins and porpoises through a collaborative management partnership. They showcase an entire community and their relationship with the ocean by encouraging respectful human-cetacean coexistence – celebrating cetaceans in local culture, arts and events; supporting local economic and environmental sustainability; and developing locally based science, research and education.
The Plettenberg Hotel has seen an increase in visitors since May, with many looking out to the ocean to spot wildlife that may be out there. The hotel has noted an increased demand from guests wanting to experience whales and dolphins in their natural habitat in an authentic and natural way.
Plettenberg Bay is situated between two Marine Protected Areas (Tsitsikamma and Robberg) on the Garden Route and supports a wide diversity of ocean wildlife, including iconic species like Humpback Whales, Southern Right Whales, Bryde’s Whales, Killer Whales (Orcas) and Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphins. The area is well known for its terrestrial and marine diversity surrounded by the Tsitsikamma Mountains, Indian Ocean coastline, indigenous forests and endemic fynbos vegetation. This Marine Protected Area serves as a crucial feeding and nursery ground for a wide variety of resident and migratory cetacean species, with the Southern right whale being one of the most notable and representative inhabitants.
“We are very proud of this accolade and look forward to more guests drawn to Plett as a responsible marine tourism destination. Apart from whale watching boat excursions, here at the hotel, our guests take great delight in dolphin and whale watching on site – from their rooms, the two pool decks or the restaurant terrace during meals. For many guests, the highlight of the day is being the first to spot a marine sighting and being able to ring our brass whale-watching bell to announce a sighting off-shore – an unforgettable experience for young and old!” – Melissa Theron, the General Manager of The Plettenberg
This is an example of what these titles mean to communities and businesses. For every accolade earned, South Africa thrives a little more!
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