Graskop Gorge Lift Co. Wins Award
Nature Positive Tourism Success
Graskop Gorge Lift Co (GGLC) achieved recognition on a continental stage. The company won a silver award in the Nature Positive category at the 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards. Organisers announced the winners on April 14 during the event in Cape Town. The ceremony honoured tourism organisations from across Africa for their impactful initiatives. The judges praised GGLC, located on the Panorama Route, for its conservation-driven tourism. This approach successfully balances visitor access with environmental protection. The attraction’s signature 51-metre viewing lift provides minimal-impact access to the forest. Previously, this sensitive Afromontane area faced threats from unmanaged human activity. According to the award citation, the site previously dealt with soil erosion and illegal plant harvesting. Today, the engineered infrastructure protects biodiversity. It allows visitors to experience the gorge in a sustainable way. This recognition affirms the company’s vision to preserve the ecosystem for future generations.
The judges also highlighted GGLC’s role in conservation education. They described the site as an ‘outdoor classroom’. Interpretive signage and guided experiences help visitors understand ecological processes. The gorge is home to many protected species. This includes the critically endangered Graskop cliff aloe.
step onto the stage to accept the Silver Award in the Nature Positive category.
GGLC co-director James Sheard said the recognition affirms the company’s founding vision.
“This award is incredibly rewarding because it recognises what we set out to do from the beginning – to create a nature experience that is both accessible and genuinely protective of the environment,” he said. “Our vision has always been to open up a place of natural wonder to people who might never otherwise have the opportunity to experience it, while ensuring we preserve the ecosystem for future generations. Receiving this acknowledgement at this level is very meaningful for our team.”
Beyond its environmental impact, GGLC remains committed to local economic development. Currently, 90% of the workforce comes from the immediate Graskop community. Nearly two-thirds of procurement spending stays within a 100km radius. The team aims to create accessible nature experiences that protect the environment and support local growth.
GGLC is now a major tourism drawcard. It combines forest experiences with adventure attractions and restaurants. The site welcomed its one millionth visitor in 2024. It remains a flagship destination along the Panorama Route. The Nature Positive category celebrates projects with a measurable positive impact on natural ecosystems.