International Tourism Month kicks off
International Tourism Month starts today, Thursday, September 1, under the theme of Tourism: Linking Cultures, and Knysna Tourism CEO Shaun van Eck said that the organisation was ready to start celebrating.
“Included in our exciting programme of events are our current visit to the Getaway Show in Johannesburg, our ’Take a holiday in your own backyard’ initiative taking place from September 6 to 8, as well as the Knysna I-Course which also kicks off on the 6th.
“While our entire staff compliment is working hard to make this a memorable Tourism Month, the project is headed by our Development Manager Glendyrr Fick,” said Van Eck.
Fick said that both Knysna and Sedgefield Tourism are being represented at the Getaway Show. “Sedgefield’s new office manager Rose Bilbrough and Knysna’s Keagon Borchards are attending the show on September 1 and 2, showcasing all that the greater Knysna area has on offer.
“Then there are many options available to locals who want to experience what their hometown has on offer during our ‘Take a holiday in your own backyard’ initiative. The response from members offering worthwhile specials between September 6 and 8 has been phenomenal.”
“We invite all tourism industry staff members as well as locals to experience the wealth of activities, accommodation and dining experiences available to them right here in our beautiful town,” said Fick. “The list of establishments offering specials is too long to mention here and we encourage all interested parties to visit www.visitknysna.co.za or the Knysna Tourism Office for further information on this opportunity that is not to be missed.”
Sho’t Left
“Many of us have seen the ‘Sho’t Left’ programme hosted by Desmond Dube, or heard those words on the radio,” she said. “This campaign by South African Tourism aims to promote a culture of local holiday travel amongst ordinary South African families. This initiative of ours encourages you as residents of Knysna to take a Sho’t Left in your own town.”
“Also commencing on the 6th is the critically acclaimed and highly informative Knysna I-Course,” Fick continued. “This course aims to teach key front office staff, staff working directly with guests, staff guiding visitors and restaurant managers more about the greater Knysna area and surrounds, including some of its rich history. This knowledge is imperative for staff to be able to give informed, correct answers, as well as more relevant information to guests.
“The course is run by Debbie Stanley and Hatti Thesen from Eco Ed. Stanley is an experienced educator, tour guide and facilitator in the Garden Route and Thesen, who was born in Knysna, is passionate about the history of the area and her Thesen heritage, and has an in-depth knowledge of the endemic fauna and flora.”
I-Course
“We are also running a special on the I-Course for Tourism Month,” exclaimed Fick. “When you sign up one candidate or staff member, you can register another one free of charge! The course will run in the Knysna Tourism boardroom from 10:00 until 13:00 on September 6, 8, 13 and 15 .”
Van Eck said that there was even more on the programme for Tourism Month. “Other events that will be highlighted closer to the time include the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMME) showcases that will take place in Woodmill Lane, Knysna on September 23, and at the Sedgefield Spar Centre on September 28, and a preview to the 2012 First National Bank Naturally Knysna Festival taking place on October 1 and 2.”
“The events on our programme are sure to expose participants to other cultures – cultures that also call the greater Knysna area home,” Van Eck concluded. “I don’t believe we could have celebrated the theme of Tourism: Linking Cultures in a better way.”
For more information visit www.visitknysna.co.za, contact Glendyrr Fick at 044 382 5510, or Rose Bilbrough at 044 343 2007.
Source: The Knysna-Plett Herald