Plett's economic Rage

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - While the influx of youngsters in Plettenberg Bay have started to dissipate after the 20th Plett Rage ended on Friday, the positive economic impact of the young tourists will continue to be felt by the local community.

It is estimated that this year's event boosted the local economy by up to R90-million.

Between 5 000 and 6 000 school leavers descended on Plett to celebrate their new-found freedom between 29 November to 6 December.

Plett Rage is South Africa's oldest student festival and provides the opportunity for students to let their hair down for a week's worth of entertainment.

Plett Tourism spokesperson Patty Butterworth said this year's event ran like a well-oiled machine and left the town with a week-long hive of activity.

"We estimate that each festino spends between R12 000 and R15 000 during their stay over this period, which is great for the economy," Butterworth said.

She added that this amounted to a massive economic boost of R70- to R90-million. "We don't have figures yet, but restaurants have reported that this year's event saw more students spending money on breakfast and lunch at the town's establishments. In the past they would usually eat at home."

Butterworth said that while the economic boost is great, the benefits are even more far-reaching. "These are our future tourists. They come here and get a taste of what the town has to offer and most return for holidays in the future."

Between 5 000 and 6 000 school leavers descended on Plett.