Get ready to bloom with Garden Town Stellenbosch!

Garden Town Stellenbosch is sprouting soon, and our bouquet of events, talks, workshops, and tours is blossoming nicely! Peek into private gardens, be sure to mark your calendars for our three anchor events, and get ready to dazzle in this year’s vivacious Viva Magenta (Pantone colour of the year!). It’s all tethered to our ‘common ground’ theme. 

Want to be a petal of the action from 27 October to 5 November?

Restaurants: Let’s get plant-y! Jazz up your menus with garden delights and shower your spaces with florals! Ready to bloom? [Hop in here!].

Accommodation: Let’s root for Stellenbosch! Become a Garden Town hotspot with blooming special rates that nobody can leaf behind. [Plant your offer here!].

Wineries: Ready to blush? Think rosé and all things rosy! Whether it’s teaming up with eateries for that perfect pink drink or hosting promotions, we’re here for it. [Show off your pink side here!].

Events that make your heart flutter

Flower Parade | 31 October, 18h00 for 18h30
Float through Stellenbosch in your brightest Viva Magenta! Grab your pals and stand a chance to win(e) some of the many prizes. This parade’s set to be petal-tastic! Ready to blossom? [Join us! – send an email to Llewellyn@visitstellenbosch.org to indicate your interest to participate in the parade)

 STS Family Floral Night Run | 1 November, 18h30
Let’s turn jogging into a garden party! Whether it’s a 5km frolic or a 10km dash adorned with green, this night run is the talk of the town. Ready, set, bloom! More info to follow shortly

 Rosé Soiree | 4 November, 17h00-19h00
Let’s paint the town…pink! From sips to smiles, join our magenta fiesta and toast to all things rosé. [Pour your pink here! – particiaption] 

Get your green fingers twitching, your magenta outfits ready, and let’s make Garden Town Stellenbosch the blooming event of the year!

We know that locals and tourists are still taking more last-minute trips, but also looking for purpose and authenticity when they travel and many of them considering bucket-list trips. Visit Stellenbosch is kicking into high gear to provide the perfect opportunity for travellers, visitors and tourists to switch up how they see the world and embrace holidays and break-aways.

Visit Stellenbosch is repacking the Stay and Play concept, focussing on winter and encouraging all members to offer something special and spectacular which we can market as packageable offerings. The aim is to persuade visitors to go beyond the half-day, but instead stay longer and experience the themed attractions during the new few months.

For example, a special winemaker dinner which is the headline act and can be packaged with overnight accommodation and one or two experiences the following day and a lunch before heading home again.  More ideas for special or not-to-be-missed events can include, cycling with an outdoorsy celebrity, a walk with Thuli Madonsela (VS is hosting this event) or spend a morning with a well-known sculpture, walking tour with Dylan Lewis, etc. We invite you to put on your creative caps and submit an interesting event, providing access to interesting, not off-the-shelf activities and events. These does not have to be big events, intimate experience for 10 people or something a bit bigger for 50 or 100 people.

We want to tell the world to come to Stellenbosch for special, not-to-be-missed events and add a bunch of value-adding experiences, providing an exhilarating break infused with the #warmheart and generous spirit of Stellenbosch

CLICK HERE TO SEE the Stay & Play Winter 2022 framework

What’s more:

• We’re not only ‘open’ for business in winter, we’re ‘exciting’ and excited to welcome you to Stellenbosch.
• There’s a lot to do and see in Stellenbosch over winter so stay longer.
• Nobody does hospitality like Stellenbosch.
• We offer great value-filled experiences and lots of thoughtful treats.
• Our attractions are easy to reach and access.

As a valued member of Visit Stellenbosch, we want you can be a part of this exciting campaign:

• Do you have something unique to offer over winter?
• Are you willing to provide a value-add or deal for visitors over that time?
• Are you willing to get involved in efforts to amplify the marketing of Stellenbosch as a preferred winter-tourism destination?

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT your Stay and Play Winter events & offers .

We look forward to amplifying our generosity and warm-hearted spirit and make this winter a cosy one for everyone in Stellenbosch.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

1. About Support Stellenbosch

The success of the Support Stellenbosch Restaurant Rewards campaign in 2020 was confirmed in the May 2021 report from the Bureau of Economic Research confirming that the direct economic impact was five times the amount invested in the project. A cash injection of R7,1 million into the town’s economy (excluding any indirect and induced impact) activated the supply chain and the benefits to the town were apparent on many fronts:

• Job protection and employment opportunities – one of the major campaign objectives.
• There was an evident positive sentiment amongst residents when everyone suffered from the negative impact of COVID-19.
• The project was recognised in the public space and media to the extent that provincial and national government departments are investigating duplicating the concept in other destinations and industries.

The campaign laid a solid foundation for the first step toward economic recovery.

Now in 2022, Stellenbosch is on the road to recovery. We enjoyed good visitor numbers over the peak tourism season and our current focus is on filling the beds and streets of Stellenbosch with visitors from May to September, our traditionally quiet and low winter season.

2. Stay Stellenbucks Campaign

Visit Stellenbosch is delighted to announce that thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are in the position to launch a similar campaign to Support Stellenbosch.  This time around the focus will be on our accommodation establishments, but with the opportunity for all our tourism sectors to benefit from this initiative.

Through this campaign Visit Stellenbosch endeavours to establish an enabling economic environment conducive to economic recovery, with the following objectives:

• Stimulation of our local economy during the winter months – the quietest booking months when our tourism providers need income the most to see them through to the peak summer holiday season
• Positioning of Stellenbosch as an overnight destination for Capetonians
• The protection of local job opportunities
• Safeguarding the survival of our local tourism businesses, especially during the challenging winter months

3. The Campaign Mechanics

Visitors to Stellenbosch staying two nights or longer in one of the participating accommodation establishments will be rewarded with Stellenbucks vouchers to the value of 20% of their accommodation bill to a maximum of R1200. These Stellenbucks vouchers can then be redeemed at any participating winery, restaurant, experience provider, or accommodation establishment.

Accommodation bookings for this campaign will be made on the member’s booking site.

The Stellenbucks vouchers will be issued to the guest at the end of the transaction via email. The Vouchers will be issued in units of R100. The Stellenbucks vouchers can be used to pay for restaurant visits, tourism experiences, wine purchases, or future accommodation bookings at any of the participating Visit Stellenbosch members.

As before, the Economic Recovery Fund will finance the campaign and the accommodation establishment will receive 100% of the amount charged.  The reward portion will be claimed from the Restaurant Recover Fund.

The incredible support we receive from our funders is a confirmation of the spirit of collaboration and care of our Stellenbosch community. We are acknowledging Stellenbosch University, Remgro, Capitec Bank, Investec, and Mergon for their support.

4. What Accommodation members should know

To qualify as a participating accommodation establishment, you have to:

• Be a paid-up member of Visit Stellenbosch
• Be a Stellenbosch Ready partner
• Offer a price in line with the price bands as indicated below

What you can do to maximise this opportunity

• entice guests to select your establishment by adding extra value to your offer
• Promote your offer on social media
• Share it with your database in a newsletter
• Share it with past loyal guests to encourage return visits
• Make sure all your staff are well versed in the Stay Stellenbucks programme and can easily recommend participating restaurants, farms, and experiences where to spend the Stellenbucks.
• Attend the information sessions to ensure you are armed with all the correct information

5. What Restaurant/Experience/Winery members should know

Guests participating in this campaign will earn their vouchers through their accommodation booking.  They will have a choice where to redeem their vouchers. If they choose to spend their vouchers at a participating restaurant-/experience-/winery-member, the following will happen:

• They will present their voucher(s) as part of their payment.
• The vouchers will be issued to the visitors in units of R100.
• Each voucher will have a unique barcode
• The barcode will be scanned. The scanning can be done by either an Apple or Android device on which the Plankton app is downloaded.  Alternatively, a * Merchant Craft payment device can be used.

• Once the validity of the voucher is determined, the voucher amount will be deducted from the amount owed and the new amount will be settled with cash or credit card.
• No change will be given on a voucher partially spent.
• The vouchers are managed through Plankton.
• Once a week, automated payments will be made to each participating member, correlating with the value of the vouchers received.

6. Merchant Craft Payment device

It is important to ensure that the customer experience is as streamlined and painless as possible. It is strongly advised that you replace at least one of your existing payment devices with a Merchant Craft device.  The rental per month is R300 excl and depending on your current agreement with your device service supplier, Merchant Craft may even better your rate. Please indicate on the Campaign Registration Form if you want Tony Groenewald from Merchant Craft to make contact with you.

7. Duration of the campaign

We are aiming to commence this campaign during May 2022 and it will continue as long as funds last.

8.    Immediate Action Required

Please note that the registration deadline for participating in the Support Stellenbosch Stay Stellenbucks Campaign is Friday, 29 April 2022.  In order to run a successful and effective campaign, we urge all members to confirm their participation quickly so that we can finalise the campaign and include you in the marketing campaign and scheduled media release.

Please confirm your participation in this campaign by filling in the Campaign Registration Form

You are invited to attend one of the following information sessions:

• In person session: Friday, 6 May 2022, 15:00, Lanzerac.
• Virtual session: Monday, 9 May 2022, 11:00, Zoom

If you have any questions regarding the Stay Stellenbucks campaign, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda de Klerk at support@visitstellenbosch.org

It is through campaigns such as this that the generosity, care, and collaborative spirit of the Stellenbosch communities can be seen. We are so appreciative of your support and collaboration and look forward to the success of this campaign once again.

Kind regards

Jeanneret

1. About Support Stellenbosch

The success of the Support Stellenbosch Restaurant Rewards campaign in 2020 was confirmed in the May 2021 report from the Bureau of Economic Research confirming that the direct economic impact was five times the amount invested in the project. A cash injection of R7,1 million into the town’s economy (excluding any indirect and induced impact) activated the supply chain and the benefits to the town were apparent on many fronts:

• Job protection and employment opportunities – one of the major campaign objectives.
• There was an evident positive sentiment amongst residents when everyone suffered from the negative impact of COVID-19.
• The project was recognised in the public space and media to the extent that provincial and national government departments are investigating duplicating the concept in other destinations and industries.

The campaign laid a solid foundation for the first step toward economic recovery.

Now in 2022, Stellenbosch is on the road to recovery. We enjoyed good visitor numbers over the peak tourism season and our current focus is on filling the beds and streets of Stellenbosch with visitors from May to September, our traditionally quiet and low winter season.

– Stay Stellenbucks Campaign

Visit Stellenbosch is delighted to announce that thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are in the position to launch a similar campaign to Support Stellenbosch.  This time around the focus will be on our accommodation establishments, but with the opportunity for all our tourism sectors to benefit from this initiative.

Through this campaign Visit Stellenbosch endeavours to establish an enabling economic environment conducive to economic recovery, with the following objectives:

• Stimulation of our local economy during the winter months – the quietest booking months when our tourism providers need income the most to see them through to the peak summer holiday season
• Positioning of Stellenbosch as an overnight destination for Capetonians
• The protection of local job opportunities
• Safeguarding the survival of our local tourism businesses, especially during the challenging winter months

2. The Campaign Mechanics

Visitors to Stellenbosch staying two nights or longer in one of the participating accommodation establishments will be rewarded with Stellenbucks vouchers to the value of 20% of their accommodation bill to a maximum of R1200. These Stellenbucks vouchers can then be redeemed at any participating winery, restaurant, experience provider, or accommodation establishment.

Accommodation bookings for this campaign will be made on the Visit Stellenbosch site. We will use the same mechanism used for conference bookings on the Vist Stellenbosch Business Travel Site.

The Stellenbucks vouchers will be issued to the guest at the end of the transaction via email. The Vouchers will be issued in units of R100. The Stellenbucks vouchers can be used to pay for restaurant visits, tourism experiences, wine purchases, or future accommodation bookings at any of the participating Visit Stellenbosch members.

As before, the Economic Recovery Fund will finance the campaign and the accommodation establishment will receive 100% of the amount charged.  The reward portion will be claimed from the Restaurant Recover Fund.

The incredible support we receive from our funders is a confirmation of the spirit of collaboration and care of our Stellenbosch community. We are acknowledging Stellenbosch University, Remgro, Capitec Bank, Investec, and Mergon for their support.

3. What Accommodation members should know

To qualify as a participating accommodation establishment, you have to:

• Be a paid-up member of Visit Stellenbosch
• Be a Stellenbosch Ready partner
• Offer a price in line with the price bands as indicated below

What you can do to maximise this opportunity

• entice guests to select your establishment by adding extra value to your offer
• Promote your offer on social media
• Share it with your database in a newsletter
• Share it with past loyal guests to encourage return visits
• Make sure all your staff are well versed in the Stay Stellenbucks programme and can easily recommend participating restaurants, farms, and experiences where to spend the Stellenbucks.
• Attend the information sessions to ensure you are armed with all the correct information

4. What Restaurant/Experience/Winery members should know

Guests participating in this campaign will earn their vouchers through their accommodation booking.  They will have a choice where to redeem their vouchers. If they choose to spend their vouchers at a participating restaurant-/experience-/winery-member, the following will happen:

• They will present their voucher(s) as part of their payment.
• The vouchers will be issued to the visitors in units of R100.
• Each voucher will have a unique barcode
• The barcode will be scanned. The scanning can be done by either an Apple or Android device on which the Plankton app is downloaded.  Alternatively, a * Merchant Craft payment device can be used.

• Once the validity of the voucher is determined, the voucher amount will be deducted from the amount owed and the new amount will be settled with cash or credit card.
• No change will be given on a voucher partially spent.
• The vouchers are managed through Plankton.
• Once a week, automated payments will be made to each participating member, correlating with the value of the vouchers received.

5. Merchant Craft Payment device

It is important to ensure that the customer experience is as streamlined and painless as possible. It is strongly advised that you replace at least one of your existing payment devices with a Merchant Craft device.  The rental per month is R300 excl and depending on your current agreement with your device service supplier, Merchant Craft may even better your rate. Please indicate on the Campaign Registration Form if you want Tony Groenewald from Merchant Craft to make contact with you.

6. Duration of the campaign

We are aiming to commence this campaign during May 2022 and it will continue as long as funds last.

7.    Immediate Action Required

Please note that the registration deadline for participating in the Support Stellenbosch Stay Stellenbucks Campaign is Friday, 29 April 2022.  In order to run a successful and effective campaign, we urge all members to confirm their participation quickly so that we can finalise the campaign and include you in the marketing campaign and scheduled media release.

Please confirm your participation in this campaign by filling in the Campaign Registration Form

You are invited to attend one of the following information sessions:

• In-person session: Friday, 6 May 2022, venue TBC
• Virtual session: Monday, 9 May 2022

If you have any questions regarding the Stay Stellenbucks campaign, please do not hesitate to contact Amanda de Klerk at support@visitstellenbosch.org

It is through campaigns such as this that the generosity, care, and collaborative spirit of the Stellenbosch communities can be seen. We are so appreciative of your support and collaboration and look forward to the success of this campaign once again.

Kind regards

Jeanneret

• Visit Stellenbosch’s innovative 3-month campaign injected R7m into the local economy
• Report shows campaign boosted consumer confidence, job security and collaboration between the tourism industry and locals in the face of tough lockdown restrictions

The Bureau for Economic Research (BER) at Stellenbosch University has compiled a report on the Support Stellenbosch campaign, which ran from 5 September to 16 October 2020 (phase 1) and 23 October and 20 November 2020 (phase two) to help support participating restaurants and establishments hard hit by the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown.

Presented in partnership with SnapScan, Support Stellenbosch was a rewards-based campaign where locals and visitors received a voucher to the value of 50% of what they spent at an establishment (provided that they spent at least R200). The vouchers, called Stellenbucks, were capped at R400 and were redeemable through SnapScan at any participating restaurant within the campaign period.

The campaign was underpinned by Visit Stellenbosch’s Restaurant Recovery Fund, which covered the costs of the Stellenbucks and raised R1 770 000, thanks to generous donations from corporates, local businesses and private individuals.

In this way, the campaign hoped to encourage residents and visitors to experience the COVID-safe, Stellenbosch Ready protocols, to support local eateries, and to promote return visits. But did it work?

In order to evaluate the impact and outcome of the campaign, BER used various Stats SA data to quantify the devastating impact of the COVID-19 restrictions on the restaurant industry as a whole; an online survey to determine the realities faced and experiences of participating restaurant owners (including business activity before, during and after the campaign); and a SnapScan analysis of transactions during the campaign period.

According to the SnapScan analysis, 7,590 qualifying SnapScan transactions resulted in R5 458 150 spent at participating restaurants during the campaign period, while R1 878 491 worth of Stellenbucks vouchers were issued. Not all the vouchers were redeemed and R250 939 was returned into Visit Stellenbosch’s Restaurant Recovery Fund for a future campaign. This amounted to a total direct cash injection of R7 085 702 into the Stellenbosch economy.

Importantly, the vast majority of respondents (78.6%) indicated that business/activity during the Support Stellenbosch campaign was up compared to the month prior to the campaign (August 2020). The rest (21.4%) said that business was unchanged.

Additional unexpected impacts of the campaign were that individuals were spending more than they would usually to reach the minimum amount for the voucher, and waiters were making more from tips.

According to the BER report, it is worth noting that the impact of the Support Stellenbosch campaign was far greater than the money spent at the participating restaurants. In addition to the direct impacts, the campaign also had significant indirect and induced impacts along the entire supply chain – not to mention the strong sense of community and unity that it ignited and the positive collaboration between sub-sectors of the tourism industry and locals as a result.

According to Jeanneret Momberg, CEO of Visit Stellenbosch, there’s little doubt that the Support Stellenbosch campaign helped keep businesses afloat after a very trying year.

“The positive sentiment that was unlocked in our town happened at a time when our community needed it the most.”

The full BER report can be read here.

Issued: STELLENBOSCH, 1 JUNE 2021