Tourism Association Still in The Driving Seat

The people of Plettenberg Bay are caught in the middle of the ongoing tourism spat. Photo: Carlo Coetzee

According to council submissions, the importance of tourism as an economic driver and the extent of delivery cannot be emphasized enough.

The Plettenberg Bay Tourism Association, recently challenged by a rival organization, the Plettenberg Tourism Board, has been given the funds to run its operations until June next year.

Bitou Council this week approved the transfer of R3,4m to the association, as well as the conclusion of an updated Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) between Plett Tourism and the municipality for the remainder of the financial year.

The MoU is broadly based on the Association’s business plan and covers the period between September 2022 and June 2023. This will ensure “that a void is not created” in the tourism sector.

However, the overall tourism function for Plettenberg Bay has not been finalized. Municipal Manager Mbulelo Memani said in the recommendations that the prescribed steps “to determine and implement an appropriate institutional option for the future management of the tourism function” be started by February 2023 and finalized by 31 May 2023.

According to council submissions, the importance of tourism as an economic driver and the extent of delivery cannot be emphasized enough.

“Its linkage to mainstream activities is key to the development of towns such as the Bitou Municipality,” reads the council submission.

The Plett Tourism Association provides destination marketing, branding, and all additional services of a regular local tourism office, as regulated by the South African National Tourism Council.

The council motivation said tourism development funds for community projects are included in the funds [R3,4m] provided and that “a small portion of the funds” contributes towards a Bitou Care fund.

Other initiatives include the Bitou Boxing Academy, Plett Watercourse History Festival and the Plett Festival (wine, food, agriculture, adventure).

Association’s business plan

Patty Butterworth, CEO of Plett Tourism Association, submitted a lengthy report and explanation of the Association’s business plan for tourism. She recommends a review of the plan during 2022 “in recognition of a number of key changes in the local tourism landscape”.

“The review should be focused on the priority projects best positioned to leverage collaborative efforts and deliver positive tourism results for Plettenberg Bay,” she said.

“This plan looks to generate further growth within the area’s visitor economy by leveraging its key product strengths: nature-based tourism (hiking and cycling); food, wine and agricultural activities; adrenalin activities; animal sanctuaries and experiences; and arts and culture.”

The plan focuses on the family-based and professional markets, supported by efforts in the domestic and international space.

Source: knysnaplettherald