Business in Plettenberg Bay has grown exponentially since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the town bustling when compared with two years ago, Plett Tourism Board chair Bruce Richardson said on Wednesday.
He was speaking at the board’s AGM.
He said the increase activity was a sign the town’s economy was strengthening and that the livelihoods of locals were looking up.
In March, Plett was declared a Whale Heritage Site, making it one of only seven worldwide.
The popular Beacon Island Resort has reported an average occupancy of 91% for 2022 and 96% for 2023.
The Robberg Nature Reserve also reported a substantial increase in day visitors.
Plett Tourism chief executive Patty Butterworth said advertising and the recent Plett Arts Festival had done exceptionally well in bringing tourists to the town.
The arts festival and the Ocean Festival attracted locals, out-of-towners and international tourists.
The Plett Wine & Bubbly Festival also brought in high numbers and profits.
Butterworth said the exponential growth in domestic and international visitors had seen Plett surpass George on Booking.com.
She said the town’s accommodation had reported 55% in bookings for domestic tourism and 45% for international markets between June 2022 and June this year.
Marketing had played a vital role in making tourism in Bitou a success.
She also acknowledged the business owners and residents who had kept the town alive and maintained its standard as a tourism destination.
Plett Tourism also acknowledged the Bitou municipality for the strong working relationship they shared.
HeraldLIVE
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