PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - More than R30 000 has been raised in support of the Plettenberg Bay tourism industry, through the locally organised #TeeOff4Tourim Challenge.

The event was hosted at the Goose Valley Country Club on Saturday 8 August.

The prime goal was to raise funds for the procurement of food parcels for Plettenberg Bay hospitality workers as many of them have been dealing with either a reduced income or no income at all due to Covid-19 restrictions, and all proceeds will be allocated towards this goal.

"It was a huge success. We had a record sell-out and garnered a whopping R31 000 from ticket sales and hole sponsorships - actually the four balls sold out within four days," Cape Summer Villas general manager Paul Duverge said.

While interprovincial travel and leisure could reopen this week, experts believe there is a long road to recovery for the local tourism industry. "Our focus has always been about uplifting our community, and what is gratifying about our golf day initiative is the way it brought in generous support from the entire town and community of Plettenberg Bay. We're hoping that other companies, towns, and provinces will follow our lead and start similar initiatives of their own," said Duverge.

"It was a hugely successful golf day," said Daniel Gouws, Goose Valley's PGA head professional.

Plett Tourism chief executive Marius Venter said he was overwhelmed by the support for the tourism community. "The coronavirus pandemic has triggered a tourism economy crisis globally and this crisis is being felt throughout our local economy. Our faith and working together will continue to provide us with the tools we need to stay ahead during difficult times. We are grateful for this initiative presented by Cape Summer Villas," he said.

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