Stellenbosch has become the first destination in South Africa to be awarded a Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC).

According to IOL, the WTTC has recognised Stellenbosch for its quick and rigorous adoption of recommended hygiene and sanitary measures in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. 

WTTC, which represents the global Travel and Tourism private sector, designed the special Safe Travels stamp to enable travellers to identify destinations and businesses around the world which have adopted its global standardised health and hygiene protocols.

Stellenbosch has launched many initiatives to ensure that it is ready to safely welcome visitors. Among these is Stellenbosch Ready, a programme that meets three critical guest needs, including WTTC validated health and safety protocols, adoption of health and safety protocols through staff training, and flexible booking terms. 

Visit Stellenbosch GM Jeanneret Momberg told IOL they’ve been working to align Visit Stellenbosch’s tourism business protocols with global standards.

“We welcome the opportunity to join this global campaign; an approach that puts guests’ wellbeing first is essential to recovery in times of Covid-19. The Safe Travels stamp will be a great way to provide that signal of trust to our future guests.

“The WTTC stamp, together with our Stellenbosch Ready programme, goes one step further in reassuring everyone that Stellenbosch is ready. Our destination is focused on recovery and trust is at the core of our business,” Momberg said.