CAPE TOWN — The Mpumalanga Department of Economic Development and Tourism has congratulated the Graskop Gorge Lift Company (GGLC) after the tourism attraction secured a Silver Award in the Nature Positive Responsible Tourism category at the World Travel Market (WTM) Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026.
The award was announced on 14 April 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) during WTM Africa, one of the continent’s leading tourism trade exhibitions.
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Jesta Sidell, described the achievement as a reflection of what can be achieved when innovation, environmental stewardship and community empowerment come together.
“This award is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, environmental stewardship and community empowerment come together. Graskop Gorge Lift exemplifies the kind of tourism we want to see grow in Mpumalanga — one that creates jobs, protects our biodiversity and delivers unforgettable experiences for visitors,” she said.
Oupa Pilane, co-founder of Graskop Gorge Lift Co., welcomed the recognition, describing it as a milestone for responsible tourism.
“Proud to announce that the Graskop Gorge Lift Co. has won the Silver Award at the World Travel Market (WTM) Responsible Tourism Awards. This recognition means the world to us. It celebrates our commitment to tourism that truly benefits local communities, protects our natural heritage, and creates meaningful, positive impact,” he said.
“Thank you to the judges, our incredible team, partners, and every traveller who chooses responsible travel. Together, we’re proving that tourism can be a powerful force for good. Here’s to more sustainable journeys ahead,” he added.
In a statement, the company said the recognition reflects its commitment to protecting the natural environment while creating meaningful and accessible visitor experiences. It highlighted that key features, including the viewing lift and elevated forest boardwalks, were designed to provide zero-impact access to the ecosystem.
The company also pointed to its role in conserving rare and endangered species, including the critically endangered Graskop cliff aloe (Aloe nubigena), and in restoring the gorge from previous environmental degradation.
According to the judges’ citation, the area had previously been vulnerable to illegal activities such as plant harvesting, wood collection and poaching, which led to environmental damage, including soil erosion and habitat destruction.
Beyond environmental conservation, GGLC said the award also recognises its contribution to community upliftment, with most of its workforce and suppliers drawn from the local Graskop area.
Graskop Gorge Lift Co., a flagship attraction on the Panorama Route, has been recognised for its innovative, low-impact tourism model. The attraction’s zero-impact access system helps protect sensitive ecosystems while promoting local procurement and community participation.
The recognition comes as Mpumalanga continues to position itself as a competitive global tourism destination through its participation at WTM Africa 2026.
The province, led by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Agency (MTPA), showcased a wide range of tourism products at the event, alongside the Kruger Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (KLCBT).
More than 6 000 global tourism professionals attended the three-day event, providing a platform for networking, investment opportunities and market expansion.
Mpumalanga exhibitors included tour operators, lodges, hospitality groups and municipalities, highlighting the province’s diverse tourism offering — from wildlife experiences around the Kruger National Park to attractions along the Panorama Route.
Speaking to the Highveld Chronicle at WTM Africa before the awards announcement, Pilane raised concern about visitor distribution within the province.
He noted that while approximately 1.9 million tourists visited the Kruger National Park in 2025, only between 200 000 and 250 000 explored other areas such as the Panorama Route.
“Our goal is for people to visit the Kruger National Park and then come out and experience other areas. The reason we are here is to expose tour operators who package the Kruger that there are other places of interest outside the park,” he said.
Pilane emphasised that expanding tourism beyond the Kruger is critical for unlocking broader economic opportunities across the province.
Sidell added that the department remains committed to partnering with forward-thinking businesses to position Mpumalanga as a leading sustainable tourism destination in Africa.
“We will continue to support initiatives that promote responsible tourism, economic inclusion and sustainable development across the province,” she said.
