In an effort to promote healthy living and reconnect with nature, staff members from the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) took part in a 5km fun hike at Umtiza Nature Reserve on 20th of March 2025.
For many, the walk through this treasured reserve was more than just exercise, it was a chance to reconnect with nature and engage with colleagues in a relaxed and refreshing environment.
The ECPTA PR and Communications Officer had the opportunity to speak with some of the staff members about their experience: The hike offered a welcome wellness break for many employees. ECPTA Accounts Payable Officer, Sinazo Isaac, appreciated the chance to step away from his usual routine. “I spend most of my time behind a computer screen, this hike was exactly what I needed, a reminder to breathe, to move, and to appreciate the work we do,” said Isaac.
For Destination Development Admin Clerk, Nande Ntshebe the hike was both grounding and inspiring. “This was my first time visiting Umtiza and it was so peaceful here. Walking beneath these trees makes me want to tell more people about our hidden gems.”
For others, the experience highlighted the importance of firsthand knowledge and experience when promoting ECPTA’s offerings. Reservations Intern, Sinovuyo Makhwekhwetha, spoke about how visiting the reserve enhanced their ability to market them authentically. “As ambassadors of these reserves, it’s important that we can speak from experience. When we sell and promote these destinations, it makes such a difference to talk about what we’ve actually seen, felt, and experienced.”
This hike at Umtiza exemplified ECPTA’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the province’s natural beauty and reflects the agency’s dedication to employees genuinely living out its mission. When ECPTA promotes and invites visitors to explore the Eastern Cape, the agency does so from a place of authentic experience, ensuring staff have walked these paths and can genuinely share the unforgettable adventures and moments that await visitors.
ECPTA encourages staff, stakeholders, and the broader community to actively explore these reserves. Through experiencing the Eastern Cape firsthand, everyone can authentically promote the province as a vibrant, inspiring, and welcoming destination because truly experiencing something makes sharing it effortless.
