Market @ The Sheds makes global top tourist list
Mareli Wassenaar, owner of Market@theSheds and CEO at Capital Collective, said their market’s commitment to authenticity is what sets it apart from other tourist destinations.
Pretorias own Market@TheSheds, located in Pretoria 012 central, has been named as the 15th highest-rated tourist market in the world, according to a ranking by Merchant Machine.
Merchant Machine is a information and comparison website utilising information from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Paypal and Apple Pay.
According to Merchant Machine, the ranking was based on Tripadvisor reviews.
“To determine the highest-rated tourist market in every country, we analysed review data from Tripadvisor,” it said.
Merchant Machine confirmed that the markets were ranked equally on the percentage of 5-star visitor reviews.
They were then separated according to which had the higher number of reviews.
“Only markets with at least 25 reviews were considered,” said Mechant Machine.
They also added that markets were ranked based on data collected in December 2023.
City Property Administration managing director Jeffrey Wapnick said: “We are thrilled that Market@theSheds was named as one of the best tourist markets in the world.”
He said the market celebrates the capital city and its people.
Mareli Wassenaar, owner of Market@theSheds and CEO at Capital Collective, said their market’s commitment to authenticity is what sets it apart from other tourist destinations.
“We try to showcase local art, designs, food and local musicians that do not have a platform,” said Wassnaar.
She added that they give tourists an opportunity to socialise with local people.
Wassenaar said they are honoured to receive this recognition which reflects the hard work and dedication of everyone involved.
“We are proud to contribute to the tourism landscape of Pretoria,” said Wassenaar.
Wassenaar told Rekord that the market is built on a strong foundation of trust, family, and hard work.
“We have worked for many years to create a market that is filled with quality traders who are passionate about their work,” said Wassenaar.
She added that their success is due to the sense of community and family that they have cultivated.
According to Wassenaar, regardless of the market’s success, it has also faced some challenges over the years.
“Many people have been afraid to visit the city,” Wassnaar explained.
She added that they have struggled with limited funding to maintain and promote the market.
Despite these challenges, the market has persevered and continued to grow over the past 10 years.
Wassenaar said that the market has benefitted from word of mouth, as visitors tell their friends about the unique experience of shopping at the market.
“The market has made a concerted effort to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, which has attracted a diverse range of people, including members of the diplomatic community,” said Wassenaar.
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
