KNYSNA NEWS - The Garden Route was packed to capacity over the peak holiday period in December 2024/January 2025, and Knysna was no exception.
Municipal manager Lulamile Mapholoba said that visitor numbers in Knysna showed that the destination is as popular as ever.
'Arrivals recovery'
“According to the online booking platform NightsBridge arrivals have recovered to the pre-Covid numbers, with 6 300 arrivals in December and 4 600 in January, earning Knysna the accolade of the most popular destination in the Garden Route," Mapholoba said.
“December and January are our peak tourist season and feedback from the tourism sector and business supports the NightsBridge stats.
Guest houses
"Guest houses remain the most popular accommodation option, with self-catering establishments and hotels in second and third place.”
Jan van der Westhuizen, chairperson of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber (GKBC) said that there was a shift in the traditional seasonal pattern.
'Peak shift'
“According to tourism and hospitality stakeholders an influx of visitors was only noticeable from 20 December, peaking around 23 December.
"Similarly, the usual peak season period, which often extends until 5 January, saw an earlier slowdown, with visitor numbers tapering off from 2 and 3 January,” Van der Westhuizen said.
International tourists
“Another notable shift was in the composition of travellers. Knysna usually experiences a decline in international tourists over the peak festive period as domestic visitors take precedence.
"However, this season presented a more balanced mix of international and local travellers, indicating evolving travel patterns and potential changes in market behaviour.”
Last-minute bookings
Van der Westhuizen said that many establishments reported a significant volume of last-minute bookings.
“It seems visitors made more spontaneous travel decisions or were waiting for the best available rates.
"In terms of spending behaviour, businesses observed a blend of patrons engaging in paid experiences - such as dining out and visiting ticketed attractions - while others opted for more cost-conscious activities, including self-catering and enjoying Knysna’s natural assets such as beaches and hiking trails.
"The impact of roadworks around Knysna, which affected traffic flow into town, may have influenced the number of day visitors.”
Event drawcards
Mapholoba said the municipality appreciates the continued support from visitors and stakeholders.
“Events remain one of the most successful ways to increase visitors to the area, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Knysna soon. "The line-up for the next few months includes the ever-popular Chukka Schools Festival at the end of February, the Garden Route Festival of Books from 6 to 8 March, the Knysna Speed Festival and the Simola Hillclimb in May and the Knysna Oyster Festival in July.”
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