Cape Town, South Africa: The Cape Town Ring, designed by Yair Shimansky, the founder of the Shimansky diamond and jewellery brand, is an iconic design that captures the essence of Cape Town and becomes a visible brand ambassador worldwide, with instant recognition that transforms into a passionate conversation and experience share.

The Ring That Binds Us, a Shimansky initiative that started as a passion for bringing worldwide awareness of the beautiful Mother City, has grown into a movement where anyone passionate about the city can join and contribute toward an incredible initiative aiming to attract visitors to our shores. Known for creating coveted pieces of jewellery, Shimansky CEO, Yair Shimansky, says this is not about jewellery, this is about making a contribution toward resuscitating tourism – which is key to the economy of South Africa. “A jewellery designer might be an unlikely ambassador for Tourism,” says Shimansky, “but the tourism value chain is broader than one thinks”. 

In a city like Cape Town where travel trends are seasonal, unfettered air access remains key to continued tourism growth. Cape Town currently has direct linkages to its key source markets - the United States via Delta Airline flying three times a week, Germany via Lufthansa Airline flying daily and the United Kingdom via London Heathrow with British Airways flying daily. 

Supported by economic and tourism government agencies, the city, the private sector, and individuals who share their love of Cape Town - and the importance of the positive impact that every visitor brings with on their visit and beyond – the timeless jewellery piece was unveiled today at the Norval Foundation in Tokai.

“With the positive social and economic impact that every visitor creates, especially after the pandemic and the current global turmoil, Capetonians and visitors alike can make a difference by sharing and spreading the unique Cape Town energy - and for us this ring captures that,” says Shimansky.

“With the economic outlook and lessons learned from Covid, we all must come together with a shared vision and responsibility to create awareness on a worldwide scale to successfully compete with other destinations; watch the space and get involve where every person can make a difference”, added Shimansky.

Shimansky insists that the Cape Town ring is about creating a movement. A movement that shines a spotlight on Cape Town – gets visitors and locals alike talking about the city. The sentiment being, if you love Cape Town, carry a piece of her with you always.  

The Cape Town Ring is available as a woman or a man version from silver to gold with an affordable price to spread the message of Cape Town across all borders.

The Cape Town Ring is the perfect opportunity to not only wear something that shows your love of this South African city, but it’s an opportunity to own an iconic jewellery piece, designed by Shimansky himself.

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Notes:

• The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) recently reported optimistic results for the growth of travel and tourism in South Africa - forecasting growth at an average rate of 7.6% annually over the next decade for the industry. They predict that by 2032, the sector’s contribution to GDP could reach nearly 7.4% of the total economy. As a significant employer, the travel and tourism sector is also expected to create more than 800,000 jobs over the next decade, to reach more than 1.9 million by 2032. And not all contributors to this sector are conventional. Some are, as you can see, jewellery designers who have a passion for the city.
• Reports indicate that both Domestic and International travel has recovered well for the first half of the year with Domestic passengers improving by 50% compared to the same period last year and just over 785 000 international passengers moving through Cape Town International Airport – an increase of 380% compared to the same period last year. This air access is key to ensure the city recovers in a post Covid world where the choice for travel will be increasingly competitive.
• The Cape Town Ring will go on sale in August and will be available in silver, gold and platinum. There are different diamond options depending on the customer’s preference and taste. 
• It has been designed to be a talking point among friends, a statement wherever you go and a sure sign that the wearer has a deep love for Cape Town. 
• The ring will be affordable so that locals can also enjoy it. Pricing will start just below R3000.
• You can purchase the ring online at the www.capetownring.com website, Shimansky stores, and other trade partners across Cape Town.
• In the beginning, Yair Shimansky crafted his pieces to sell at sea-side flea markets. But it wasn’t too long before he was able to open his own store.
• Today, the Shimansky brand is one of the most recognisable and desired brands for those wanting timeless pieces. 

Sources: 

• World Travel & Tourism Council - Economic Impact Report (EIR) 
• https://wttc.org
• WESGRO – Air Route Network Update