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The Camphor venue at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa was officially relaunched on Tuesday (23 April). Debbie-Lee Cockrell, who joined the Erinvale team as general manager in 2022, gave some insight into the journey culminating in the relaunch of the events-venue gem in Somerset West. “A partnership with visionary Dr Christiaan Elleke fuelled by a shared vision, understanding and dedication to elevating this gem, ushered in a new era, one of excitement, fun and, at times, pure nerves, just like today. Alongside my dedicated team, we renovated the events venue. Camphor now stands as a testimony to our continued journey, with its multifunctional space and neutral palette it serves as the perfect canvas for any occasion. As today, we unveil a space that is not just welcoming but truly enchanting. In the backdrop of South Africa’s growing business landscape, we not only recognise the importance of our role in developing tourism and hospitality in the winelands and greater Western Cape, our commitment extends beyond this. We strive to create an environment where minds meet, relationships flourish and business thrives, building South Africa to do good business and making it an attractive destination – a destination of choice.” Cockrell furth
Wine-and-tourism-sector powerhouse who wields over 30 years of invaluable experience, Jeannerét Momberg, who has been a driving force in shaping the winelands tourism landscape, stepped up to the microphone and congratulated the Erinvale team for their accomplishments. The Visit Stellenbosch chief executive officer described feeling like a “proud mother seeing a sought-after product developing and just coming to life so beautifully”. She further shared some interesting statistics, revealing that in the last quarter just under 500 000 international visitors were welcomed in Cape Town. This means that for every 100 international visitors two permanent jobs are created and for every two visitors to the Mother City one visitor graces the winelands, particularly Stellenbosch. “Which, as I mentioned, Erinvale most certainly is a part of,” Momberg assured. “This is a wonderful way of job creation and I really want to congratulate Dr Elleke and his team not only for their vision, but also their commitment to grow the tourism economy of the area; not only for employment purposes but to mitigate seasonality boosting business tourism with a venue like this. For every international delegate, R6 400 per day is pumped in the economy, which make
Jeannerét Momberg and Debbie-Lee Cockrell were honoured to officially proclaim the renovated Camphor Venue open following a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Among guests at the event were Open Doors Collective’s Kimberley Taljaard (communications assistant) and Josie Eveleigh (CEO and founder). Here the specialists in bespoke media campaigns are pictured with Debbie-Lee Cockrell, general manager of Erinvale Hotel & Spa.
Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa’s Yolanda Filmalter (rooms division manager), Nicola Kuhn (spa manager) and Wilma Farirayi (marketing manager).
Kaylyn de Wet and Monique Scholz of Trunk Events enjoyed conversations over drinks.
Tarryn Brandt and Marieta van der Sandt represented Immaculate Events and Conference at the launch.
Guests were treated to delicious canapés like the mushroom arancini balls served by the friendly-faced Ashley Chigowe.
Hazel Alexander and Rolene Langford of Stellenbosch University.
Olivia Gilbert of Hello Lifestyle and Eliza Laubscher of Stellenbosch Visio.
Fiona Rossiter and Nicola Toet of Inspired Living magazine toasted the occasion.
Niki Penner (The Event Planners) grabbing a delectable bite from Busiswa Royi.
Kia Thompson and Andrea Davids of Elite Collection enjoyed the atmosphere of the enhanced gem.
Helderberg 93.6FM’s Megan Prinsloo with Nina Clark and Robert Ford of Letterhead.
Rema Wiese (executive officer at Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa), Shawaaz Talip (membership manager at Southern Africa Tourism Services Association) and Debbie-Lee Cockrell (general manager at Erinvale Estate Hotel & Spa).
