Fewer SA Tourists in Plett, it seems
While statistics are still being compiled, early indications are that Plettenberg Bay experienced a slight decrease in domestic visitor numbers, but an increase in international travellers.
This, experts believe, could be attributed to the current economic situation in South Africa which led to locals tightening their belts when it came to holiday spending and the rand value being favourable for international visitors.
“The season was busy, however, we did note a decrease in numbers. The majority of our fully serviced accommodation establishments – including hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses – were filled to capacity, but there was a decrease in self-catering accommodation numbers,” said Plett Tourism spokesperson Patty Butterworth.
She added that early indications also suggest there was an increase in international visitors during December.
“We can confirm an increase in tourists during the months of October and November and the majority were international guests.”
International tourists were mostly from Germany and the UK while the majority of the domestic visitors were from Gauteng.
“Although we are still collating the statistics, we are able to comment that there has been an increase in numbers of visitors out of season. This was between February and November with a slight decrease in the season – from December to January.
“The reason for the increase in international travellers could be because of the rand value, while the decrease in the domestic market could be due to the current economic situation in South Africa.”
Butterworth said there was definitely more for visitors to do in Plett this year, including more music festivals and events compared to the previous years.
“Visitors tended to eat out and were not afraid to spend money. Luxury item purchases, however, were on the decrease.”
Butterworth said the busiest part of the season was between 14 December and 4 January.
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News