Economy: Tourism in Plett bucks the trend

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Plett seems to have bucked international and local trends by prospering in a difficult tourism environment, according to Bruce Richardson, Plett Tourism chairperson.

Richardson told the Plett Tourism annual general meeting on 4 September that, by and large, economies are shrinking - unlike that of Plett tourism.

"Much of Europe is suffering from chronic over-tourism, which is also a product of adopting poor mass tourism policies," said Richardson.

"Plett bucks the trend in prospering in the midst of a difficult world and the South African environment, to the extent of it occurring to me that we should issue our own passport in recognition of how special Plett is," he quipped.

Key element
He said the driving force behind this blooming prosperity is, "of course", the ongoing development and success of Plett's tourism industry in which Plett Tourism is a key element.

"By comparison, one must look around at towns whose tourism board is, or has, faltered to be able to appreciate the importance of the ongoing success and vibrancy of this key institution.

It is a driving force in the prosperity of a tourism town and in the creation of expanding employment opportunities.

"Unlike many tourism towns in the world, although Plett is now an increasingly busy town with many more permanent residents and tourism offerings, it has been managed in such a way that we have retained that 'Plett feeling'.

Relationship
He ascribed this to the ongoing hard work, innovation, and the adoption of sound tourism policies by the Plett Tourism team, who have recently presented another expanded and highly successful Ocean Festival.

He said the relationship with the Bitou Municipality tourism partners continued to grow, albeit with disruptions caused by regular changes in department heads, administrative and other personnel, which makes building enduring relationships a challenge.

"Nevertheless, the relationship remains a strong and mutually supportive and co-operative team, which is so important in [the] tourism space in which we all need to work together and be singing from the same song sheet," said Richardson.

Popularity
In her review, outgoing CEO Patty Butterworth said visitors' average length of stay was growing, along with a slight increase in international growth, with tourists from the US showing an uptick.

Plett is also adding new offerings, such as the Plett Trails initiative and the development of a Plett Trails app to highlight walking, hiking and biking trails in the area.

An indication of the popularity of Plett as a tourism destination is reflected by the statistics of visitors enjoying the Robberg Nature Reserve, which jumped from 85 000 in 2023/24 to more than 184 000 visitors between July 2024 and June this year.

Outgoing CEO of Plett Tourism Patty Butterworth (left) receiving a departure gift from Cindy Wilson-Trollip, general manager of Plett Tourism.

At the Plett Tourism AGM: Garden Route District Municipality Mayor Andrew Stroebel, GRDM and Bitou councillor Dave Swart, and Bitou Mayor Jessica Kamkam. Photo: Chris van Gass