Thousands of people behind Plett-tourism
D-day has arrived for public comment on a controversial new tourism by-law which Plettenberg Bay residents and tourism business owners fear could be damaging to the local economy.
Some of the issues that have angered locals include the establishment of a new tourism board; the composition of the board which leaves the decision making largely in the hands of the Bitou Municipality; the registration of tourism businesses with a tourism organisation and subsequent “fees, charges and tariffs” payable. There is also a penalties clause which includes fines or jail time for those who do not comply.
One of the most contentious issues is that the burden of these “fees” would be carried by tourists, sparking fears that the industry would then become less competitive.
The proposed by-law is open for public comment until Thursday, June 8, but has already seen massive opposition including a petition which has been signed by more than 2000 locals so far.
Bitou municipal spokesman Manfred van Rooyen said while the period for public comments ended on June 8, public participation towards the final draft of the by-law would include engagements with all stakeholders, roleplayers and interested parties in the local tourism industry – responding to all inputs or contributions.
He added it was envisaged that the tourism by-law would be adopted and approved by the mayoral committee and council by the end of June this year.
Read previous articles:
- ‘Bylaw will not ‘close’ Plett tourism’
- Bylaw will not ‘close’ Plett Tourism, says Bitou
- Bitou tourism bylaw ‘ignores work done so far’
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Source: Knysna Plett Herald News