KNYSNA NEWS - It is no wonder thousands of visitors descend on Plettenberg Bay and Knysna beaches every year, as they are seen as some of the best in the world.
Last week, Knysna's Noetzie Beach was rated among the 50 best beaches across the globe and earlier this year Plett was nominated as the top African beach destination for the ninth consecutive year.
The travel site FlightNetwork has ranked the world's 50 best beaches after sifting through the opinions of more than 1 200 travel journalists, editors, bloggers and agencies. It scored the beaches on sheer untouched beauty, remoteness and quality of the sand and water.
Stiff competition
Noetzie Beach made it to number 16 on the list after going up against exotic destinations like Navagio Beach, located on the Greek island of Zakynthos (top spot), Whitehaven Beach on Whitsunday Island in Australia (second), and El Nido beach in the Philippines (third).
The site mentioned Noetzie Beach as "tucked into a hidden nook and rimmed by a dense forest". The beach scored a perfect 10 for sheer untouched beauty and remoteness. It also scored eight for sand and water quality. Tour guide Rushdi Harper wrote: "A secluded beach located in one of South Africa's most beautiful towns, Noetzie Beach, is the perfect escape from a busy city. Fall asleep on the white sand with the sound of the waves as your lullaby."
Leading beach destination
Earlier this year, Plettenberg Bay once again received a nomination in the 25th annual World Travel Awards as Africa's leading beach destination. This is the ninth time Plett has been nominated for this prestigious honour. The World Travel Awards was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all sectors of the tourism industry.
"We are pleased that one of Plettenberg Bay's premier beaches has been recognised as one of the top beach destinations in the world. Our beaches and shorelines are our number one asset, and collectively as a community we recognise this and 'all hands are on deck' when it comes to maintaining them.
With support from Bitou Municipality and its beach personnel, our NSRI team and local initiatives we are able to continue showcasing this beautiful asset of Plett. We look forward to another successful summer season wherein more than 50 000 tourists will be able to enjoy our beaches," said Plett Tourism chair Peter Wallington.
Blue Flags flying high
Plett and Knysna also shone in the Blue Flag initiative. Plett was awarded Blue Flag status for six of its beaches, which means that the town has the second-most Blue Flag beaches in the Western Cape, behind Cape Town with its 10 sites, and third-most in the country, close on the heels of the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality in Kwazulu-Natal which was awarded seven sites for the second place.
Plett's Blue Flag beaches this year include for the 10th consecutive time Robberg 5; Keurboomsstrand; Natures' Valley; Lookout Beach; The Dunes; and The Singing Kettle Beach.
Local operator Offshore Adventures added to the awards after both their vessels, the Robberg Express and Oceanic Express, received Blue Flag accreditation.
In Knysna it is Buffalo Bay and Brenton-on-Sea beaches that received Blue Flag status this season.
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