Light of hope for Plett economy still glimmers despite the pandemic
Plettenberg Bay won’t surrender to the threats imposed by Covid-19 on its tourism industry, with stakeholders clinging to the hope that homeowners’ return for the summer holidays will provide the economic boost essential for the town’s survival – LUDUMO TEDE reports
According to acting Plett Tourism CEO Patty Butterworth, they believe that seasonal business will thrive, pandemic notwithstanding. However, a marginal difference to previous peak seasons will be that the area may not be graced by holiday-makers from the international community.
“Our engagement with home-rental agencies still indicates that there is very little stock available to rent in Plett during the forthcoming season, which means the homes traditionally rented out for domestic and international holidaymakers will now be occupied by owners, along with their respective family and friends.
“These individuals will be eating in our restaurants and purchasing products and services from our local businesses, which will bring in a welcome boost for the economy,” said Butterworth.
Bitou has in the past few weeks seen a sharp spike in confirmed Covid-19 cases, coming in just below Knysna in terms of new-case percentages, and by November 17 the entire Garden Route had been declared as Covid-19 hotspot by the Western Cape Government.
This announcement resulted in the closure of sports facilities by Bitou Municipality last Wednesday, as the first step to light the spread of the virus.
Plett Tourism will not be taking the beating lying down; as the pandemic is laying in heavy punches, new plans are in the pipeline to mitigate the predicament. Sadly, some events on the social calendar might have to take the brunt of the blows.
“There are several initiatives in place to promote the importance of following Cov-id-19 protocols.
“In addition to the government regulations that all local businesses are required to adhere to, Plett Tourism and Bitou Municipality are hopeful that our supplementary messaging shared in local and regional publications, recorded messages on local and regional radio stations, and possibly a signage and flier campaign will help reinforce these protocols.
“Furthermore, public events will have to be minimalised or most likely postponed, and private events will have to adhere to strict Covid-19 Level I protocols,” said Butterworth, adding that she believed things might change for the better towards the start of the peak season, now but three weeks away.
Bitou mayor Peter Lobese also weighed in with words of encouragement while urging all local residents to behave responsibly.