Well apparently I have been a bit slow on the uptake here but just in case you haven't heard; the new James Bond novel is set in Cape Town. How awesome is this, it’s just matter of time till the new Bond movie is in Cape Town. - How Did I Miss This!!! - What city in the world wouldn’t want James Bond tearing through its streets in a Bentley Continental GT, sampling its food and wine, staying in its hotels and taking sunset helicopter tours in the skies over head? A stamp of approval from 007 is worth more than a recommendation from any travel guide or holiday accommodation critic.
The author of the 37th Bond instalment, Jeffrey Deaver, has been visiting Cape Town for the past ten years and says he has always loved South Africa – Well who wouldn’t, honestly. He wanted to keep to the Flemming tradition of setting Bond and his antics in beautiful trendy locations, it’s a wonder Flemming never thought of this himself.
It contains all the high class attractions that Bond enjoys alongside the rugged outdoor beauty that makes for an exciting action novel. Several notable wine estates get a mention as 007 imbibes local wine as well some local dishes. Restaurants are referenced without being named and tourist attractions in and around the city make appearances. Wines that get the agents nod of approval include, Rustenberg Peter Barlow Cabernet, Graham Beck Cuvee – A personal favourite of mine so it’s nice to know I am in good company - and Cape Three Ladies. I've always liked Bond but knowing that he likes our wine makes me like him even more.
Although there is nothing official it seems that there could be movie in the pipelines, parts of which will undoubtedly be filmed in the Mother City. The novel is a massive boost for Cape Town tourism and the world class image of the Mother City. A film would create priceless marketing for Cape Town. Bond films are known for their ability to stand up to the rigors of time nearly as well as the ageless hero himself. The films are watched for generations after production and are generally considered classics with only a few ever been left on the scrapheap of filmic history. This means that a Cape Town based Bond film could potentially provide decades worth of exposure for Cape Town and a serious boost to the Cape Town holiday accommodation sector.
I personally am holding thumbs for "lights, camera, action" in Cape Town for the start of the next big Bond classic. Lets hope he leaves some gadgets behind.
