ICONIC Mossel Bay rolls into Cape Town in celebration of tourism and collaboration

Press Release by Mossel Bay Tourism, October 2025

Mossel Bay Tourism rolled into the Mother City during October with Tourism in Motion – a dynamic initiative designed to celebrate tourism collaboration and showcase Mossel Bay’s growing reputation as one of South Africa’s premier visitor destinations. With branded trucks making their presence known, the message was clear – Mossel Bay is on the move, and it’s moving for tourism and collaboration.

Mayor Dirk Kotzé and Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, met with Alderman James Vos, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Growth and Tourism, for a meeting that expressed appreciation to the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape for their ongoing support of ICONIC Mossel Bay and launched a new collaboration with the Cape Care Fund. Established by the Western Cape Department of Social Development and The Health Foundation of South Africa. The Cape Care Fund is a special purpose vehicle aimed at boosting the resilience and sustainability of social service organisations.

The trucks in the convoy weren’t just about transport – they are moving billboards designed to draw visitors into Mossel Bay and encourage exploration of the broader region. They also carry more than just branding. They convey a clear message of gratitude, pride and partnership. In the next few weeks, these trucks will be co-branded with the Cape Care Fund’s logo and information, extending the reach of the partnership and raising awareness across South Africa.

“The event was a thank you on wheels – a reminder that when municipalities, government and tourism bodies work together, we don’t just grow visitor numbers, we grow opportunities, communities and the spirit of tourism,” said Lieschke Steven Jennings, COO of Mossel Bay Tourism, who was also in attendance.

Over the past five years, supported by the province and the city, Mossel Bay’s tourism sector has flourished, creating thousands of jobs, boosting visitor numbers and earning recognition as South Africa’s top tourism destination for 2024/25. Once seen as largely industrial, Mossel Bay has transformed into a vibrant tourism hub. This year alone, the town is set to welcome more than 25 international cruise liners, reinforcing its status as a premier port of call – and providing the perfect platform to introduce the Cape Care Fund to the public.

Mayor Dirk Kotzé reflected: “This meeting showed that Mossel Bay’s story is part of Cape Town and the Western Cape’s story. It was a reminder that tourism is about people, livelihoods and partnerships that benefit our communities. It was a joy to bring a taste of the region to Cape Town, express our gratitude and launch our collaboration with the Cape Care Fund.”

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, added: “Thank you to Mayor Kotzé and Mossel Bay Municipality for showing just how ICONIC they are by allowing the Cape Care Fund to be part of this incredible project.”

The Cape Care Fund, which strengthens NGOs and NPOs delivering crucial social services, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “We need more partners who care – those who have a heart for making a meaningful and positive impact in communities, and by joining ICONIC Mossel Bay, we are hopeful we can reach these individuals,” said Londt.

Alderman James Vos added: “I truly value working with our neighbouring jurisdictions because tourism is a team sport. By collaborating, we create more jobs, attract investment and deliver unforgettable experiences for visitors. “

 

“Our focus in Cape Town is simple – landing more flights, docking more cruise liners, hosting more events and developing stronger tourism products, supported by campaigns that turn interest into arrivals,” he continued.

This is why supporting towns and destinations in the province – like Mossel Bay – is so important. “This season, our city will be connected to 31 destinations via 25 airlines, with 228 international flights every week. This is a clear sign that our programmes and partnerships are delivering results,” said Alderman Vos.

A major contributor to ICONIC Mossel Bay’s success has been the launch of Route 12, which shines a spotlight on the hidden gems of the region – from lesser-visited communities to off-the-beaten-track experiences. “Route 12 was born to spread the love and attract more visitors to the entire region,” said Jennings.

Mossel Bay Tourism extended heartfelt thanks to its partners Wesgro, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDAT), the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape Government for their unwavering support. “Tourism doesn’t thrive in isolation. It thrives when there is strong governance, visionary leadership, and municipalities that champion their communities. We’re proud to have exactly that in Mossel Bay,” Jennings noted.

“Tourism is the heartbeat of our region,” Mayor Kotzé added. “We look forward to visitors experiencing the magic of Route 12 and continuing to build partnerships that strengthen our region.”

ENDS