Update

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Following the widespread public outcry over a proposed tourism bylaw, Bitou Municipality convened a meeting with relevant stakeholders and tourism role players over the past week.

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 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.

'Public participation process'
Municipal spokesperson Manfred van Rooyen says the meeting was held as part of the public participation process and included representation from the municipality, Plett Tourism and the Bitou Business Chamber.

Van Rooyen says that during the meeting municipal manager Thabo Ndlovu reflected on the main objections and welcomed all the comments received thus far.

“It was reiterated that the current process of transferring funds to Plett Tourism is not in line with the local government Municipal Finance Management Act, 2003 (MFMA) and will not withstand legal scrutiny. The bylaw therefore is an attempt to establish a utility vehicle and ensuring that the transferring of funds for tourism to such a utility will satisfy and comply with the all relevant municipal legal prescripts,” Van Rooyen says.

'Broader Bitou tourism important'
He adds that the municipality acknowledges the “important role played by all current participants in the tourism industry and in particular the role and contributions of Plett Tourism, its leadership and management”.

“All these considerations will inform and be incorporated into the final product.”

Van Rooyen further says it is, however, a process that would look at tourism in Bitou and not Plett Tourism per se. “This is because the municipality has the obligation to execute tourism development, in accordance with its constitutional and legal imperatives. It further will look at proper regulation – that would include clear deliverables, reporting and monitoring; transformation; inclusivity; broad representation; marketing of tourism; and township development. The possibility of an independent board and a utility vehicle according to the MFMA prescripts formed the basis of discussions.”

'Drafting team to iron out issues'
He adds that the contentious issues are left for a drafting team to iron out. This team will be a collaborative and inclusive effort between the municipality, tourism industry, business chamber and a suitably qualified legal service provider.

“All the participants committed to a process that would include the further drafting of the bylaw, considering the inputs received and reflecting the best possible product in the final analysis. The drafting team has also been tasked to facilitate a transitional arrangement taking into consideration that the current agreement with Plett Tourism comes to an end at the end of June 2018.”

Read previous articles:

• Thousands of people behind Plett Tourism
• '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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