Funding Brand Stellenbosch.
Stellenbosch Publicity and Marketing (SPM) is a non-profit company that provides the Stellenbosch tourism sector with essential resources and financial support to promote our beautiful town.
SPM was established 15 years ago by a few passionate Stellenbosch hoteliers, accommodation owners and tourist service providers to help promote the town of Stellenbosch as a world-class tourist destination.
It was born out of a need to supplement the unpredictable and fluctuating funding that was received from authorities to market brand Stellenbosch.
HOW DOES SPM WORK?
SPM raises funds by implementing a 1.15% tourism levy (including VAT) on accommodation and experience invoices.
These levies are collected and administered by SPM, and the funds contribute to marketing campaigns for Visit Stellenbosch. The aim is to promote and expand the tourism economy in Stellenbosch. The levy of 1.15% is added to invoices payable by both business and leisure tourists visiting our town. This means that the increased marketing efforts will not burden our members financially but will be a contribution from those who visit and enjoy our region.
Benefits of a Stellenbosch Tourism Levy
Over the past twelve months, SPM has provided 60% of the funding for Visit Stellenbosch's marketing efforts. This financial support has enabled us to unite the industry and inspire travelers to visit and experience the diverse offerings of our town.
Here are some of the Visit Stellenbosch initiatives funded by SPM that have significantly contributed to the promotion and growth of the tourism economy in Stellenbosch, establishing our town as a thriving destination.
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PUBLIC RELATIONS
A 12-month public relations campaign generated print and online media worth R38.5 million, with coverage in South Africa and Namibia alone.
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ONLINE ADVERTISING
Social media campaigns and advertising reached over 1 million people on Facebook.
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EVENTS & GUIDES
Sponsorship of the Stellenbosch Garden Week and the printing of 30,000 Visitor Maps.
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COMMUNICATIONS
Monthly email engagement with Visit Stellenbosch members and newsletter campaigns targeting a tourism database of over 8,000 active subscribers.
Be part of the story!
We invite all hoteliers, accommodation owners, and tourist service providers to implement the 1.15% Stellenbosch . Your support will help us position and promote our town as a world-class year-round destination, attracting more visitors to explore, stay longer, engage in various activities, and return to Stellenbosch.