Damara Trail Wins Silver at the Prestigious ITFFA 2025 for Its Nature-Based Tourism

CapeNature’s Damara Trail has won the Silver Award in the prestigious Tourism – Products category at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) 2025. The award is due to the trail’s engaging video series, which effectively promotes the beauty of nature tourism in the Western Cape. This achievement highlights CapeNature’s commitment to promoting eco-tourism and sustainable tourism, values which resonate strongly with modern-day environmentally aware tourists.

Celebrating Excellence in Nature-Based Tourism

The ITFFA, renowned for honoring exceptional audiovisual content promoting global tourism, has recognized the Damara Trail for its outstanding video production. The video series won hearts for its breathtaking visuals, immersive storytelling, and its ability to bring nature to the forefront in an engaging way. Sheraaz Ismail, Executive Director of Eco-Tourism and Access at CapeNature, expressed immense pride in the recognition: “We are incredibly proud that the Damara Trail videos have been recognised on an international platform. This award helps underline our commitment to sustainable tourism offerings.”

The festival celebrated a diverse array of video content, with entries from over 28 finalists in the Tourism – Products category. This category was particularly competitive, drawing attention to innovative promotional films across various tourism sectors, such as cultural tourism, eco-tourism, health and wellness, and gastronomy, among others.

The Unique Appeal of the Damara Trail

The Damara Trail is an eco-tourism gem located within the De Mond Nature Reserve, near the coastal town of Arniston in South Africa. As the country’s first slow hiking trail, the experience offers a two-day adventure that allows travelers to immerse themselves in nature at a relaxed pace. The trail is ideal for those seeking a mindful and responsible tourism experience, combining adventure with relaxation in a stunning natural setting.

Key features of the trail include:

• Two-day hiking experience: The first day features a 5-kilometer hike, followed by an overnight stay at a wooden deck facility, while the second day offers an 11.5-kilometer coastal walk.
• Educational signage: The trail includes informative signs that educate visitors about the local flora, fauna, history, and geology, enhancing the immersive experience.
• Shuttle service: For added convenience, a shuttle service transports hikers back to De Mond, completing the loop and making the experience accessible for various fitness levels.

CapeNature’s vision for the Damara Trail is rooted in sustainable tourism and environmental education. By showcasing the natural beauty of the Western Cape, the trail encourages visitors to appreciate the region’s ecological richness while promoting eco-tourism practices that support conservation efforts.

ITFFA’s Role in Promoting Global Tourism Media

Founded in 2019, the International Tourism Film Festival Africa (ITFFA) aims to spotlight video content that celebrates the diversity of global travel and tourism experiences. The festival is a critical platform for creative professionals within the tourism media industry, providing recognition for innovative works across multiple tourism subgenres, such as eco-tourism, cultural exploration, and wine tourism. Through its focus on the audiovisual medium, ITFFA plays a vital role in expanding the reach of tourism destinations and helping travelers discover unique and lesser-known experiences around the world.

This year’s competition at ITFFA attracted a wide range of submissions, and CapeNature’s Damara Trail video series emerged as a standout. The trail’s blend of breathtaking visuals, educational content, and environmental commitment aligns perfectly with the festival’s mission of promoting responsible and impactful tourism. The award also emphasizes the growing importance of video as a tool to showcase tourism products and engage potential visitors.

A Commitment to Sustainable and Responsible Travel

The recognition at ITFFA further emphasizes the Damara Trail’s role in the broader conversation around sustainable tourism. As travelers become increasingly aware of their environmental footprint, the demand for ecotourism experiences has surged. The Damara Trail offers an excellent example of how tourism can be a force for good, combining the beauty of the natural world with conservation efforts.

CapeNature has long been a leader in promoting responsible travel practices. By offering experiences like the Damara Trail, the organization not only educates visitors about the importance of preserving the environment but also supports the local economy through tourism. The video series has proven to be an effective way to engage with global audiences, and this ITFFA win is a testament to the impact that thoughtful, sustainable tourism experiences can have on both visitors and the communities they visit.

Parting Thoughts

The Silver Award win at the International Tourism Film Festival Africa highlights the increasing relevance of eco-tourism and nature-based tourism in today’s travel landscape. The Damara Trail offers a unique, low-impact way to experience one of South Africa’s most beautiful regions, and CapeNature’s dedication to sustainability and conservation shines through in every aspect of the trail.

For anyone seeking a mindful, environmentally friendly travel experience, the Damara Trail is a destination that cannot be missed. It not only gives you a chance to be in touch with nature but also assists in the important efforts to protect the environment for generations to come. As the popularity of eco-tourism increases, the success of the Damara Trail is a strong reminder of the impact that can be had through sustainable tourism.