CANCELLED BOOKINGS
Knysna fire puts crucial tourism sector at risk
Local travellers should be encouraged to support the fire-ravaged Garden Route hub, says SA Tourism CEO
Tourism establishments in Knysna have been recording a huge number of cancellations from international tourists, a situation that could lead to the loss of 2,500 jobs in the town’s crucial tourism sector. According to SA Tourism, a number of international tourists had cancelled their bookings following the devastating fires earlier in June that destroyed more than 600 structures in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay. Knysna, a well-established adventure and leisure tourism area along the scenic Garden Route, is heavily reliant on the tourism industry. SA Tourism CEO Sisa Ntshona said at the weekend that the best way to assist the town was to encourage locals to travel there, which would aid the sector’s recovery. "We’ve seen local corporates and people coming together to offer help and donations, which is great, but for sustainability purposes, the best way to help Knysna is to travel there," said Ntshona. One of the town’s signature events is the Oyster Festival, which is scheduled to be h...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.