Tourism officials and establishments on South Africa’s Garden Route have cautioned against alarmist “Day Zero” narratives related to prevailing water shortages, assuring that the region remains open and welcoming to tourists.
As dam levels drop due to the severe drought in the region, municipalities governing the tourist hotspots of Knysna, George and various surrounding towns have been declared local disaster areas, implementing water restrictions that require businesses to reduce consumption by as much as 50%.
Elmay Bouwer, a Board member of the Greater Knysna Business Chamber, stressed that tourism businesses across Knysna remain fully operational.
“Across the sector, sustainable operational practices and alternative water sources are being used, ensuring guests feel welcomed, comfortable and cared for while acting responsibly in the current climate. At the same time, keeping the local tourism economy active is vital for jobs and livelihoods, particularly during periods of water stress,” she said.
“Our estuary, lakes, forests, beaches, restaurants, events and experiences remain open and ready to be enjoyed. By using water responsibly, visitors help ensure the destination continues to thrive,” Bouwer added.
Wayne Neath, Commercial Director of Premier Hotels and Resorts, said Premier Resort Knysna The Moorings remains fully operational due to its on-site borehole water supply.
“That said, it has been testing times for the broader Knysna community and we fully recognise the impact of this on residents, businesses and visitors alike,” Neath said, voicing appreciation for drought mitigation efforts.
“We are encouraged to see multiple stakeholders and industry role players actively engaging and applying the necessary pressure at local and national government levels to ensure sustainable, long-term solutions are implemented. From a tourism perspective, there is significant vested interest in protecting and strengthening Knysna as one of South Africa’s most treasured destinations and we remain confident that the situation will improve sooner rather than later.”
Knysna Executive Mayor Thando Matika said the municipality has earmarked R58 million (US$3.65 million) for various water augmentation measures including the drilling of seven new boreholes.
Steering clear of ‘Day Zero’
Kate Christie, GM of The Turbine Boutique Hotel & Spa in Knysna, cautioned against alarmist “Day Zero” messaging similar to that used during droughts in Cape Town in 2018, which negatively affected international perceptions of the city.
“Many towns along the Garden Route are under the same water restrictions but Knysna is the only town where “Day Zero” is being used. Media coverage, especially where all facts are not given, has definitely amplified this narrative,” said Christie.
She explained that, due to Knysna’s status as a water-scarce area, most properties already have extensive water-saving measures.
“Extra measures have been put in place such as more signage for awareness and the removal of bath plugs to encourage showering.”
She said the hotel has enjoyed a “fantastic” January and February, hosting a large number of international guests.
“There have been very few requests to cancel related specifically to the water crisis although shorter lead time bookings for late February and March are not coming in at their usual numbers for this time of year, which is a slight concern.”
In FAQs compiled for its members, SATSA advised tourism businesses to respond to enquiries related to “countdown-style messaging” with clarification that municipal communications are mainly targeted at residents and designed to drive immediate behavioural changes.
“This language does not automatically translate into tourism restrictions or travel advisories. Tourism water use represents a relatively small portion of overall demand. Visitors play an important role in supporting local economies and responsible travel is encouraged rather than discouraged. Guests are simply asked to be mindful of water use as they would be in many destinations globally.”
SATSA will host its Garden Route chapter gathering on Tuesday, February 17 to discuss, among other issues, current operating conditions in the region.
