Plett – Africa’s beach gem – has once again been recognized on the continental stage

For the 16th consecutive year, Plettenberg Bay has been shortlisted as Africa’s Leading Beach Destination in the World Travel Awards, standing shoulder to shoulder with iconic coastal sites across the globe continent.

This nomination comes on the heels of a landmark 2020 victory and follows Plett’s recent first‑ever global nomination for World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2024. Supported by world‑class conservation accolades and a vibrant celebration of marine life, Plett continues to set the benchmark for sustainable, year‑round beach tourism. Read on for the full story – and how you can cast your vote for this stunning Garden Route jewel.

Nomination & Historical Performance

Plettenberg Bay has been named among eight nominees for Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2025, alongside Bazaruto (Mozambique), Cape Maclear (Malawi), Cape Town (South Africa), Diani Beach (Kenya), Nungwi Beach (Tanzania), Sharm El Sheikh (Egypt) and Zanzibar (Tanzania) World Travel Awards.

This marks Plett’s 16th consecutive nomination in this category, underlining its enduring reputation for pristine sands and exceptional coastal stewardship, Travelpeople.

Previously, Plettenberg Bay clinched the Africa’s Leading Beach Destination title in 2020, and has been the benchmark against which other destinations measure themselves ever since World Travel Awards.
Building on continental success, Plett was also nominated as the World’s Leading Beach Destination in 2024, its debut global nod that placed it alongside the world’s most celebrated shores

Plett Nominated as World’s Leading Beach Destination

Supporting Accolades & Conservation Achievements

Six International Blue Flag Beaches

Plett boasts six Blue Flag–accredited beaches, each meeting stringent criteria for water quality, safety, environmental management and education:

1. Robberg 5
2. Lookout Beach
3. Keurboomsstrand
4. The Dunes
5. The Singing Kettle
6. Nature’s Valley

Plett Beaches

Mission Blue Re‑Designation

In February 2025, Mission Blue formally re‑designated Plettenberg Bay as a global Hope Spot, celebrated by Dr Sylvia Earle in recognition of Plett’s vital marine habitats linking Robberg Peninsula and Tsitsikamma MPAs Mission Blue.

Whale Heritage Area Status

Plettenberg Bay joins an elite group as a World Cetacean Alliance Whale Heritage Area, underscoring its commitment to responsible whale and dolphin watching. Plett is one of only seven fully accredited Whale Heritage Sites worldwide and the third in South Africa worldcetaceanalliance.org.

Moreover, its Whale Heritage Area lies within the Garden Route National Park and the UNESCO‑recognized Garden Route Biosphere Reserve, highlighting the ecological importance of this coastal corridor worldcetaceanalliance.org.

Fourth Annual Plett Ocean Festival & Marine Science Symposium

From 4–13 July 2025, Plett will host its fourth Ocean Festival – a ten‑day celebration of all things marine, featuring:

• A three‑day Marine Science Symposium exploring cutting‑edge ocean research.

• Family‑friendly rockpool explorations, sand‑sculpting challenges and citizen‑science activities.

• Guided pelagic birding trips, kayak excursions and scuba‑dive experiences.

• Whale‑ and seal‑watching boat trips off Robberg Peninsula. Plett Tourism.
  The festival serves both as a community gathering and as a platform for conservation advocacy, shining a light on Plett’s marine biodiversity and research initiatives Plett Tourism.

Vote for Plett

Voting is now open – help Plettenberg Bay claim the title of Africa’s Leading Beach Destination 2025 by casting your vote at the World Travel Awards website:
www.worldtravelawards.com/vote World Travel Awards.

Plettenberg Bay’s blend of award‑winning beaches, world‑class conservation achievements and dynamic ocean‑themed events make it a standout destination for travellers and ocean‑lovers alike. Cast your vote today and ensure Plett’s coastal treasures receive the recognition they deserve!