PLETTENBERG BAY, SOUTH AFRICA – Plett Tourism is proud to announce that it has been named the Best Coastal Tourism Destination Portal 2026 – South Africa in the tenth annual LUXlife Travel & Tourism Awards.
This prestigious international recognition coincides with the ten-year anniversary of the LUXlife awards programme, which celebrates the “best of the best” across the global travel industry. The 2026 awards spotlight trailblazers who redefine guest experiences and champion excellence in a competitive global landscape.
“It is always a pleasure to recognise businesses committed to elevating the travel experiences of their guests, and this year’s awardees are no different,” commented Awards Coordinator Kaven Cooper. “This hard-earned recognition is a testament to their willingness to go above and beyond.”
What it Means to be the “Best Tourism Portal”
While Plett is famous for its physical beauty, this award recognizes the town’s “virtual front door.” As the Best Coastal Tourism Destination Portal, Plett Tourism was evaluated on its ability to provide a seamless, high-quality digital gateway for global travelers. The judges looked at:
Inspiration & Accessibility: How the platform uses world-class storytelling and visual media to showcase Plett’s 8 Blue Flag beaches and unique “People of Plett” stories.
Economic Connection: The portal’s success in linking visitors directly to local accommodation, restaurants, and activity providers—from the Plett Wine Route to marine eco-adventures.
Innovation: The maintenance of a reliable, high-performing digital hub that remains the primary source of truth for the Garden Route’s “discerning tourists.”
“A tourism portal is the first point of contact for many of our visitors,” says Plett Tourism’s acting-CEO, Cindy Wilson-Trollip. “This award is a testament to our commitment to maintaining a digital presence that reflects the natural beauty, safety, and community spirit that people fall in love with and return to, year after year.”
The digital team consists of consultants Brendon Morris and Janet Middleton – who have been with Plett Tourism since the launch of the association in 2013 – and intern Somila Nkcita. However, the quality of information and engaging content available, and the community around which has been built, is a team-wide and town-wide effort: “We aim to provide travellers with accurate and inspiring online content, driven by a desire to showcase Plett as an attractive year-round destination where travellers can deep dive into the culture of the town from marine attractions, cuisine, trails, heritage, arts, to sport, beaches, adventure and family activities, winelands and more. From bespoke cultural tours through Kwano to international polo matches – that Plett feeling weaves through everything that we want to convey,” says Janet Middleton. “We want to communicate that “Plett feeling” encompassing the #OnePlett philosophy.”
The LUXlife win reinforces Plettenberg Bay’s status as a top-tier destination, following a landmark year that saw the town serve as a cinematic backdrop for a major Netflix production, a nature and cultural hub for world class Plett festivals, and secure a record number of Blue Flag and Green Coast accolades.
For more information on the LUXlife winners, visit the full winners’ supplement here.
