Tourism to survive

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KAROO NEWS - Although the nationwide lockdown has halted tourism, some owners and managers in the local tourism industry are positive that Graaff-Reinet and its surrounding attractions will survive.

Dawid de Wet from Toerboer Cottages and Tours believes that South Africa can make an incredible stand by properly tackling Covid-19 and keeping infections as low as possible.

According to him, if the crisis is handled positively and proactively, international tourists will have much more confidence in South Africa, perhaps even more than in the past.

Photo gallery: The Karoo has a beauty all of its own

De Wet believes that the tourism industry will not recover until next year, but that this knock can be overcome.

"It can take at least four to six months to get back on track. Local travellers may not be financially able to travel, and international travellers will have to wait for all travel restrictions to be cancelled. Botswana appears to have banned any travellers for the next six months, depending on what the Covid-19 situation looks like. This will affect the surrounding countries' tourism," De Wet said.

Sunrise as seen from the R61 between Aberdeen and Graaff-Reinet. Photo: Christo Vermaak

Hester Steynberg, the owner of Ganora Guest Farm in the Nieu-Bethesda district, said she is positive that after the long seclusion, people will still want to visit places in the peaceful Karoo.

"The fact that people will want to get out but also not want to be in crowded places, will make the Karoo a favourable destination," Steynberg said.

She admitted that many guests wanted their deposits refunded, a factor that put the tourism industry under tremendous pressure. Ian Allemann, Chairperson of the Nieu-Bethesda Community Tourism Organisation, said the organisation's members are in a difficult position, with all guest accommodation and restaurants closed.

Unique, never forgotten sights on the way to Graaff-Reinet, near Willowmore. Photo: Christo Vermaak

Most do not qualify for government and private aid schemes, as these are not well-tailored to micro-businesses.

"Tourism is a major driver of our local economy and this will lead to increased job losses and decreased income for an already battling municipality as some businesses will not be able to pay municipal rates," Allemann said.

Enjoying a sun-downer on a Karoo-farm. Photo: Toerboer Cottages and Tours