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KNYSNA NEWS - Knysna expects a bumper season despite the fires, say the local tourism body.
The holiday season has started in Greater Knysna and it promises to be a bumper one, says Knysna Tourism chair Elmay Bouwer.
Accommodation establishments report good bookings which – despite the June fires, the depressed economy and the drought in the Southern Cape – are on a par with last year.
“We did a call around to members in Knysna and Sedgefield and 90% report that they have booked similar numbers to last year or that they are even busier,” said Bouwer.
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Sedgefield Tourism manager Belinda Hobson added that from 20 December until 3 January Sedgefield accommodation is 94% reserved.
The Knysna Tourism visitor centre had 1 737 walk-ins in November this year compared to 1 356 in 2016, while for Sedgefield Tourism it was 678 walk-ins compared to 456 last year.
Knysna Tourism front office manager Ebrahim Windwaai said the increase could be due to the fact that Knysna Tourism moved back into its Main Road offices in April, following the refurbishment of the building following a small fire in September 2016.
Top nationalities visiting the offices were German, British, Dutch, French, Australian and South African.
This is in line with research that shows 63% of Knysna’s visitors are international.
Bouwer said Knysna Tourism does not do destination marketing just for Greater Knysna but is also a one-stop shop for information about things to do in Knysna and surrounding areas.
“Both offices (Knysna and Sedgefield) provide a booking service for activities, restaurants, and accommodation establishments in the area; the staff can assist with timetables for shuttle services and Intercape buses; we provide information about upcoming festivals and events; and visitors can buy local art and crafts on display.”
Knysna Tourism, situated at 40 Main Road, is normally open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00, and Saturdays from 08:30 to 13:00, but for the period 16 December to 5 January 2018, the hours of operation will be as follows:
- Public holiday: 26 December: 09:00 to 14:00
- Weekdays: 08:00 to 18:00
- Saturdays: 08:30 to 14:00
- Sundays: 09:00 to 14:00
- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – closed
Sedgefield Tourism, situated at 30 Main Street, Sedgefield, will be open as follows:
- Public holiday: 26 December 09:00 to 13:00
- Weekdays: 08:00 to 17:00
- Saturdays: 09:00 to 13:00
- Christmas Day and New Year’s Day – closed
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