KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna Accommodation Association (KAA) members met recently to discuss matters relating to the VAT increase from 1 April, availability of rooms, marketing, visitor statistics and the upcoming winter season, when there is an overall slump in tourism.
The association met at The Dry Dock Food Co restaurant at the Waterfront on Thursday 22 March.
Mike Mills and Colleen Harding addressed dozens of members in attendance, and also brought up the additional charges payable to the municipality for water.
The reason for the additional charge, Harding explained, was a result of a definition within the municipality with regard to water levels, and as the Akkerkloof Dam was still only 46% full, water bills were chargeable according to Stage 1 drought tariffs.
“I would suggest that you take your own monthly water readings and send them to the municipality rather than having them come out and read your meter as and when it pleases them,” said Harding.
In terms of marketing initiatives, it was mentioned that the availability of rooms in KAA member establishments would be included on websites of organisations that are hosting upcoming events such as the Simola Hillclimb, Oyster Festival and Knysna Cycle Race, and Knysna Extreme Triathlon. This follows an agreement reached between KAA and the said organisations.
Nicci Rousseau-Schutte and Sue Swain presented to members of KAA the concept of 'Waste Nothing Knysna'. Photo: Yaseen Gaffar
Among other issues covered, there was also a presentation on "Waste Nothing Knysna", a concept in partnership with BioWise that aims to generate less trash, reuse and recycle waste items, as well as the refuse specifically related to accommodation establishments.
An awareness programme on Waste Nothing Knysna will run until the end of September this year and it is hoped that this will reduce a third of waste in Knysna and also "bring the greenery back".
The meeting closed on a positive note, after which members enjoyed refreshments.
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