Vibrant culture

South Africa has recently become a hotbed of craft beer and gin innovation. The last few years have seen the birth of numerous small breweries and distilleries. But these thriving enterprises are not simply factories for making beverages. Each brewery and distillery has its own unique story of how it originated and these are often steeped in family tradition and a dash of audacity.

South Africa is internationally recognised for its exceptional viticulture, with its wines contributing significantly to its vibrant tourism scene. Pioneering winemakers and the introduction of novel practices such as creative food and wine pairings anchor the rapid rise of wine tourism. The Wine industry's efforts to champion sustainability and inclusivity, along with its commitment to quality and excellence, solidify its reputation as a significant contributor to the nation's economic and social fabric.

“With food, we can change the world" - Chef Marcus Modimokwane #MG200Young 2021. GQ SA Top 5 Chefs 2021.

Across South Africa, women continue to play a critical role in the success and growth of key industries and sectors, and tourism is no exception. Here, a growing number of remarkable local women continue to make a valuable contribution to the rebound of the travel industry. From showcasing excellence in local accommodation offerings, to pioneering amazing experiences or contributing to more sustainable communities, we take a look at a few women who are doing great things.

Across South Africa, women continue to play a critical role in the success and growth of key industries and sectors, and tourism is no exception. Here, a growing number of remarkable local women continue to make a valuable contribution to the rebound of the travel industry. From showcasing excellence in local accommodation offerings, to pioneering amazing experiences or contributing to more sustainable communities, we take a look at a few women who are doing great things.

With so many inspirational women outside of travel and tourism flying the SA flag high, here are a few of our top picks of inspirational local women leading the way in their respective fields.

This creative artist has found a genius way to bring agriculture, art, and tourism to the world.

Patricia Chiloane is a passionate and dedicated ambassador of Mpumalanga province. She is a descendant of landowners, who have lived in the area of Bushbuckridge for generations. When she initially conceptualised Serurubele Boutique Hotel, the MBA graduate’s goal was to create a tourism ecosystem to benefit everyone in the small town. Her other goal was to elevate Bushbuckridge on the tourism map. The land on which Serurubele Boutique Hotel is built has been in her family for four generations. The hotel’s name, Serurubele, is derived from the SeSotho word for butterfly, the small insect that is endemic to the Lowveld. As visitors walk through the hotel, they are immersed in the story of the region. The hotel’s 16 luxury rooms are punctuated with pictures of the Lowveld butterflies, paying homage to the natural splendour of the area.