Tourism stakeholders in Oudtshoorn have spoken out after media statements, this past week, warned visitors to stay away during the festive season.
The Garden Route covers a large area with certain towns being of particular concern (COVID-19) as indicated by authorities. The Greater Oudtshoorn region is however in good standing and all necessary safety protocols are being upheld within the tourism sector.
After one of the most difficult years in living memory, Oudtshoorn and De Rust are OPEN for business and encourage South Africans to explore the wide range of attractions and activities on offer. ‘We are taking all precautions because your safety is our concern and we do not want you to miss out on a wonderful sun-filled experience during this festive season’ said Executive Mayor of Greater Oudtshoorn, Chris Macpherson.
Oudtshoorn is a town for all ages offering visitors wonderful experiences over the holidays, many of which take place in the warm outdoors including leisurely afternoons discovering local food and wines, family road-tripping through the Swartberg Circle Route, a visit to the Cango Caves and Cango Wildlife Ranch, an early morning meerkat meeting and a visit to one of the famous ostrich farms to mention a few.
Cango Caves is open for heritage tours every 30 minutes for limited numbers of people. All safety protocols are in place as gazetted by the departments of Labour and Health stated Alison Moos, Cango Caves Operations Manager.
Tammy Moult, chairperson of Oudtshoorn and De Rust Tourism said that visitors should not be deterred and that tourism stakeholders have been eagerly awaiting tourists for many months. “We are hopeful that law enforcement will manage compliance processes appropriately throughout the Garden Route to ensure that everyone adheres to the mandatory rules.”
Oudtshoorn Tourism Manager Corleen Barnard confirms that their sector has put every effort into ensuring visitor safety with number controls, screening and enough sanitizing stations to meet the visitor demands. ‘It goes without saying that everyone is required to wear a face-mask when in public. Locals and visitors alike need to take responsibility for their own safety so that we can successfully reduce the spread of the virus’, she said.
Hotels, Guest Houses and B&B’s confirm that they are fully safety compliant adhering to the practices as set out by Tourism Business Council SA.
In a statement, Geordin Hill-Lewis MP Constituency Head for George said ‘The Western Cape DA wishes all prospective holidaymakers to the Garden Route an enjoyable, safe and relaxing Christmas holiday season. We have no doubt that these travellers from across South Africa and the world will have a wonderful time in the Garden Route, enjoying the incredible natural beauty, the beaches, and the country’s best tourism infrastructure.’ He further said that the Democratic Alliance in George welcomes the emphatic statement by the Western Cape Provincial Government that all holidaymakers are welcome in the Western Cape and in the Garden Route in particular, over the upcoming holiday season.
All said and done Oudtshoorn is in fact the exact place to get away from the madness of 2020. Comfortable, warm honest sunshine days and gentle patio evenings with loved ones. “Every road leads here… where you can nourish your soul with wide open spaces and natural wonders. It is the perfect place to breathe, explore, rest and repeat” said Ms Moult.
On behalf of Oudtshoorn and De Rust Tourism we wish all locals and visitors a safe and happy festive season ahead. We encourage responsible travel and we eagerly await your arrival!
For more information on accommodation, activities and attractions please contact Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism: info@oudtshoorn.co.za | 044 279 253