While some tourism businesses and establishments in and around the Knysna and Plettenberg area were affected by fires that broke out on Wednesday night, the fires were contained on Friday and tourism activities have resumed.
According to News24 about 80% of the fires have been contained. “The majority of evacuated area have been declared safe again,” Billy Engelbrecht, Chairman at Oudtshoorn & De Rust Tourism was quoted as saying.
The Garden Route and Klein Karoo areas are “open for business” the Eden District Municipality said in a statement.
“Several tourism businesses in and around the Knysna and Plettenberg area have been affected by the devastating fires, but we confirm that the situation is under control and that humanitarian work to the affected areas have started,” said the municipality.
Chairperson of the Knysna Tourism board, Elmay Bouwer, echoes the same sentiment: “We would like tourists to know that it is safe to visit Knysna, and that almost all tourist activities are fully operational”.
“Although a number of accommodation establishments have been damaged or destroyed, there are many others which have not been affected. If any visitors who have planned a stay in Knysna are unsure about the status of their accommodation booking, they should call Knysna Tourism on +27 44 382 5510 or email bookings@visitknysna.co.za,” Bouwer added.
“The Knysna Waterfront with all its restaurants and shops had not been affected in any way,” said Colin Thaver, Managing Director at Southern Africa 360.
Thaver reports that the animal sanctuaries between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay including Knysna Elephant Park, Birds of Eden, Monkeyland and Tenikwa Wildlife Awareness Centre are all operating as usual. In addition, SANParks’ picnic areas at Jubilee Creek and Diepwalle and the camping sites in Diepwalle are open and unaffected by the fires.
The Plettenberg Bay Airport reopened on Friday, June 9, allowing CemAir to reinstate flights.
The Simola, Pezula and Knysna Golf Courses are also open.
The following towns are functional and ready to assist with tour groups, Mossel Bar, George, Oudtshoorn, Hessequa, Ladismith and Calitzdorp.
“Knysna is recovering from the devastation of the fires but for local businesses to survive, tourism must play a vital part,” says Bouwer. “We need to get the message out there that we are open for businesss and the Knysna visitor experience will be as good as ever.”
