The Western Cape's tourism industry is buzzing, thanks to the province's "events economy".
Figures released yesterday point to small-town events driving an increase in tourism across the province last year.
Attractions in the Cape Overberg have appealed to an appetite for adventure, with the Agulhas National Park and De Hoop experiencing a 130% and 30% increase in visitor numbers over the past year respectively.
Events and festivals have proved to be vital for tourism in the province's small coastal towns.
"The Snoek Derby in Yzerfontein attracted 10000 visitors.
"In Vredendal, the Matzikama Somerfees drew 3000 visitors, bringing huge economic benefits," said Western Cape tourism MEC Alan Winde yesterday while announcing last year's figures.
Attractions like the V&A Waterfront and Kirstenbosch gardens have reinvented themselves, with the V&A attracting 23.8million visitors last year.
Annual visitors to Kirstenbosch increased by 29% to nearly 900000.
Cape Town International Airport reported a 3.2% increase in international arrivals, and visitor numbers increased by 8.2% in January compared to the same month in 2014.
Arrivals at George airport saw more than 40000 visitors land there in December, up from 37768 in 2013 and 32698 in 2012.
Winde said the Western Cape's tourism industry was worth more than R17-billion annually.
Johan de Villiers, chairman of the Yzerfontein's Snoek Derby, said activities in the town went beyond catering to a love for snoek.
''We have seen an influx of tourists from Europe who rent properties for up to three months to escape the winter,'' De Villiers said.
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