psn 125 gri tourism development plan ver 3 chapter 5

DRAFT FOR COMMENT

Chapter 1 One

Chapter 2 Two

Chapter 3 Three

Chapter 4 FourFive]

This chapter is an assessment of the tourism environment within the planning domain and a review of the tourists, visitors and users of the tourism resources,

attractions and experiences within the planning domain.

Chapter 5 Planning Domain Assessment Plan

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Tourism Development Plan: Garden Route Protected Areas Planning Domain 2009

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Chapter 5 Planning domain assessment Chapter 5 Planning domain assessment ........................................................... 5-‐2 5.1 Location of planning domain.........................................................................................................5-‐4 5.2 Background of planning domain..................................................................................................5-‐5 5.2.1 Garden Route National Park ..................................................................................................... 5-5 5.2.2 Goukamma Nature Reserve ....................................................................................................... 5-5 5.2.3 Robberg Nature Reserve ............................................................................................................. 5-6

5.3 Geography of planning domain ....................................................................................................5-‐6 5.3.1 Climate................................................................................................................................................ 5-6 5.3.2 Fauna, fish and birds .................................................................................................................... 5-8

5.4 History of planning domain ...........................................................................................................5-‐9 5.4.1 Land ownership in planning domain...................................................................................5-12 5.4.2 Existing tourism image of planning domain....................................................................5-12

5.5 Tourism resources & attractions.............................................................................................. 5-‐13 5.5.1 Tourism resources and attractions ......................................................................................5-13

5.6 Movement of tourists in planning domain ........................................................................... 5-‐13 5.6.1 Road & transport infrastructure in the planning domain .........................................5-14 5.6.2 Tour routes in the planning domain....................................................................................5-17

5.7 Existing tourism products in the planning domain .......................................................... 5-‐20 5.8 Assessment of tourists in the planning domain ................................................................. 5-‐20 5.8.1 Day and overnight visitors .......................................................................................................5-21 5.8.2 Place of origin ................................................................................................................................5-21 5.8.3 Race of visitors...............................................................................................................................5-24 5.8.4 Preferred type of accommodation ........................................................................................5-25 5.8.5 Occupancy rates of tourism accommodation in protected areas ...........................5-27 5.8.6 Implications for tourism development planning............................................................5-29

Figures

Figure 1 The planning domain is managed and owned by numerous different agencies, which are depicted in this graphic..........................................................................................................5-‐4

Figure 2 The route of the Outeniqua Choo-‐tjoe train between George and Knysna that used to be a primary tourist attraction of the planning domain before severe storms damaged the tracks and supporting infrastructure resulting in a suspension of the service. ............................................................................................................................................................. 5-‐16

Figure 3 The historical role of Knysna harbour has been replaced by that of a leisure function. A number of leisure craft jetties and slipways are located around the edge of the lagoon. ...................................................................................................................................................... 5-‐17

Figure 4 Popular tour routes in the planning domain between Wilderness and Knysna. 5-‐19

Figure 5 Popular tour routes in the planning domain between Nature’s Valley and Knysna. ............................................................................................................................................................ 5-‐19

Figure 6 Proposed tourism planning intervention to develop and grow a circular tour route between Knysna and an up-‐graded Millwood fed by a secondary tour route from Wilderness via the rural back roads of the planning domain.................................................. 5-‐20


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Tables

Table 1 Assessment of road infrastructure and network in the planning domain......... 5-‐14

Table 2 Airports and airfields in the planning domain............................................................... 5-‐15

Table 3 Primary and secondary tour routes in the planning domain. ................................. 5-‐17

Table 4 Overnight and day visitors to the planning domain. ................................................... 5-‐21

Table 5 Place of origin of visitors visiting the Garden Route National Park in 2008. ... 5-‐21

Table 6 Top ten countries source markets for protected areas in planning domain in 2008. ................................................................................................................................................................. 5-‐22

Table 7 Place of origin of visitors to all protected areas in the planning domain during the peak summer tourist season of 2009. ........................................................................................ 5-‐22

Table 8 Place of permanent residence of domestic tourists visiting protected areas in the planning domain.......................................................................................................................................... 5-‐23

Table 9 City of residence of domestic tourists who visited protected areas in the planning domain during the 2009 high tourism season. ........................................................... 5-‐24

Table 10 Race of domestic visitors to the Garden Route National Park in 2008............. 5-‐24

Table 11 Race of visitors interviewed during the 2009 Visitor Survey of protected areas in the planning domain in 2009............................................................................................................ 5-‐25

Table 12 Percentage visitor nights spent in hutted and camping accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008. ....................................................................................... 5-‐26

Table 13 Preferred type of holiday accommodation in all protected areas during the peak summer holiday period of 2009. ............................................................................................... 5-‐26

Table 14 Occupancy statistics for camping in Garden Route National Park in 2008. ... 5-‐27

Table 15 Visitor arrivals in Garden Route National Park (11 months ended February 2010). ............................................................................................................................................................... 5-‐28

Table 16 Unit occupancy for all hutted accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008. .................................................................................................................................................. 5-‐29

Table 17 Bed night occupancy for all hutted accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008. ....................................................................................................................................... 5-‐29


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5.1 Location of planning domain

The planning domain is located within the popular and well-‐established Garden Route tourism region of South Africa.

The planning domain comprises the protected areas of the Garden Route National Park managed by SANParks, Goukamma and Robberg Nature Reserves managed by Cape Nature and Formosa Nature Reserve managed by Eastern Cape Parks. Included in the geographical boundary of the planning domain are other land areas owned or managed by other state entities, such as the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry.

The planning domain and surrounding hinterland comprises four distinct tourism sub-‐regions: (i) the coastal zone stretch along the full length of the planning domain along the Indian Ocean coastline; (ii) the mountains zone which are the mountain ranges running parallel to the coastline (iii) the rural midlands wedged in between the coast and mountains which is productive in agriculture and forestry; and (iv) the primary urban areas of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay and secondary settlement areas of Wilderness, Sedgefield, Nature’s Valley and Storms River township (which are excluded from the planning domain).

The N2 National Road bisects the planning domain, which is the most popular and busy tour route in the Western and Eastern Cape.

The planning domain has a vibrant, long-‐established and healthy tourism economy that contributes significantly to the local economy. An estimated half million tourists pass through the Garden Route annually.

Figure 1 The planning domain is managed and owned by numerous different agencies, which are depicted in this graphic.


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5.2 Background of planning domain

5.2.1 Garden Route National Park The Garden Route National Park is a national park in the Garden Route region of South Africa. The Garden Route National Park (GRNP) includes the former Tsitsikamma and Wilderness NPs, state forests and mountain catchment areas. The properties listed in the schedule gazetted in GN31981 published on 6th March 2009, in addition to the previously proclaimed WNP and TNP, form the initial extent of the GRNP. The Knysna Lakes Area together with several other portions of land are currently managed by SANParks and are to be incorporated into the GRNP as part of a land consolidation.

A mosaic of ecosystems, it encompasses the world-‐renowned Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections, the Knysna Lake section, a variety of mountain catchment, Southern Cape indigenous forest and associated Fynbos areas. These areas resemble a montage of landscapes and seascapes, from ocean to mountain areas, and are renowned for its diverse natural and cultural heritage resources. The park includes a continuous complex of approximately 605 km2 of indigenous forest.

Managed by South African National Parks, it hosts a variety of accommodation options, activities and places of interest. A jewel in South Africa’s crown, the Park is a prime example of the country’s unique fauna and flora and will offer unforgettable views and life-‐long memories.

5.2.2 Goukamma Nature Reserve

Goukamma Nature Reserve and Marine Protected Area are situated along the scenic Garden Route on the Cape south coast. It lies approximately 40km east of George and 20km west of Knysna.

The nature reserve comprises an area of about 2 500ha, with a coastline of 14km, and the adjacent marine protected area extends seawards for 1,8km. The nature reserve includes a long beach, an extensive dune field with some of the highest vegetated dunes in South Africa, the Goukamma River and estuary, and the unique Groenvlei Lake which has no in-‐flowing river and no link to the sea. Goukamma lies between the winter and summer rainfall areas. There is no cold wet or dry season, although the rainfall is higher in spring and autumn, and less in summer. The weather is unpredictable, with some warm days in June and July and the odd cold day in summer. Prevailing winds in summer are south-‐easterly and in winter are westerly.


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5.2.3 Robberg Nature Reserve The Robberg Peninsula is a nature reserve and national monument that lies about 8km south of Plettenberg Bay, a prestigious coastal resort on South Africa's famous Garden Route.

The reserve is situated in an overlapping region of winter and summer rainfall. The ecology of the Robberg Peninsula is similar to that of other rocky headlands on the southern coastline of South Africa and is a fine example of how plants and animals adapt to the interacting influences of land and sea.

The boundary of the Robberg Marine Reserve extends one nautical mile (1 852 km) seawards around the entire reserve. Only rock and surf angling is allowed inside the marine reserve. Bait collecting, fishing from boats and spear fishing is prohibited.

5.3 Geography of planning domain

The planning domain falls within the Cape Floristic Region (CFR). The CFR is the smallest and richest of the six floral kingdoms in the world, and it is the only one to be found entirely within one country. Its rich biodiversity is under serious threat for a variety of reasons including conversion of natural habitat to permanent agriculture, inappropriate fire management, rapid and insensitive development, overexploitation of aquatic resources, and infestation by alien species. The region has been identified as one of the worlds "hottest" hotspots of biodiversity (GRNP GMP).

5.3.1 Climate

Climate of the Southern Cape and Tsitsikamma is often referred to as moderate (SANParks, 2009). Rain falls throughout the year, with a maximum in the autumn and spring months. Annual rainfall ranges between 500 to 1400 mm. The summers are warm (22-‐25oC) and winters mild (18-‐21 oC). Occasional bergwinds raise the temperatures to the upper 30oC. The mild weather can be attributed to among others, the influence of the warm Agulhas current.

The GRNP extends over roughly 150 kilometres east-‐west and 40 kilometres north-‐south. This area is large enough to show some variability in climate in both directions. In a north-‐south direction the altitude varies from 0 m a.s.l. to 1675 m.a.s.l. (Peak Formosa). The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges influence the climate significantly.

In summer South Africa has semi-‐permanent high-‐pressure cells (South Atlantic Anticyclone and South Indian Cyclone) in the adjacent oceans. The movement of these cells plays a dominant role in the circulation and climate of South Africa. In winter the high-‐pressure cells are displaced slightly to the west and north, which makes the chances for convection and rain much lower than in summer. The northern movement of the westerly winds causes the cold fronts to reach the


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subcontinent, which bring the bulk of the rain to the southern parts of South Africa.

The weather of the Southern Cape and Tsitsikamma are mainly shaped by a succession of east moving subtropical low-‐pressure cyclones interacting with subtropical high-‐pressure anti-‐cyclones lying over the oceans.

The Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma mountain ranges have a significant influence on the local climate by acting as a barrier to the inland penetration of the weather system and give rise to orographic precipitation.

Topography influences temperature over the north south gradient. The effect of altitude on air temperature is a drop of about 0.6oC for each 100 m rise. This can lead to a 10oC difference in temperature over this gradient. As the sea on the southern boundary of the park has a moderating effect on temperature, especially during the day when cool breezes from the sea will cool down the land temperature, this 10oC change may not always be apparent.

Daily average sunshine duration is 60% for the Southern Cape and Tsitsikamma area with little variation (60% for 11 months and 70% for July).

Wind is an important climatic aspect in the Southern Cape and Tsitsikamma. The south-‐western winds are associated with the rain patterns. The desiccating north-‐western bergwinds are caused by dry subsiding air moving off the interior plateau in response to strong coastward pressure gradients. These strong winds drive the fire patterns in the fynbos and thus the distribution of natural vegetation (forest and fynbos) on the landscape. Rain often follows bergwind. South-‐easterly winds are associated with fair weather.

Winter months are generally windy with northerly (bergwinds), and westerly winds dominating. Northerly winds are more evident in the Plettenberg Bay region than in Knysna. The summer months are characterized by fairly even westerly winds in the Knysna area and west to west-‐south-‐westerly winds are dominating in the Plettenberg Bay area (S.A.W.S.). Strong easterly winds blow in the Plettenberg Bay vicinity from September to March and is as common as the westerly winds. The summer months in the Knysna area is dominated by westerly winds although easterly wind occur often in these months. Mean wind speeds vary little monthly in Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.

5.3.1.1 Vegetation

The terrestrial vegetation includes fynbos and forest, with coastal vegetation, estuarine, and seashore (SANParks, 2009). Indigenous forests cover 35 765.4 ha in Garden Route National Park and occur from sea level to altitudes of 1 000 metres or more, but most of the high forest occurs on the coastal plateau and foothills of the mountains. Southern Afrotemperate forest is well represented in the network. More than half of the extent of these forests lies within the Garden Route National Park. The distribution of indigenous forest patches appears to be


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partly determined by recurrent, but sporadic and severe berg-‐wind fires, and the forests are found on moist south facing slopes and in river gorges. A total of 465 plant species are known to occur in these forests.

The fynbos areas are relatively small and are classified as mountain fynbos. An interesting feature of this area is the fynbos islands that are completely surrounded by indigenous forests.

5.3.2 Fauna, fish and birds The planning domain’s location within the fynbos and rare forest biome, the inclusion of a marine and unique wetland/estuarine lake system and the rugged mountain and coastal landscape provides diverse habitat in varied successional stages that consequently contribute to a reasonably diverse mammal fauna. The Garden Route National Park is unique in the sense that it is largely unfenced and mammal species are able to freely move in and out of the Park (SANParks, 2009).

Eighty-‐seven species of mammal comprising fourteen orders and thirty-‐two families are known to occur within the Park of which eighteen species (21%) are restricted to the marine ecosystem. Sixty-‐nine species (79%) have been formally recorded

The planning domain forms the eastern limit of a distinct zoogeographic zone, called the Cape Faunal Centre where the fauna gradually changes to include more Ethiopian elements characteristic of much of Africa. Unfortunately, little is known of the reptiles inhabiting the planning domain.

The planning domain is considered to fall within one of the eight major centres of herpetofauna diversity in southern Africa and forms part of the mountainous region stretching from the Cape in the south northwards to tropical Africa that is considered to function as a corridor along which various faunal taxa can move.

The planning domain holds twenty-‐two species, 10 genera and six families. Fourteen of the listed species have been formally recorded within the Garden Route National Park’s boundaries. The true species total is likely to be higher as the distribution ranges of number of species that could possibly occur within the Park end just short of Knysna.

The GRNP with its combination of forest, fynbos, estuarine and marine habitats has a diverse avifauna. A total of 262 bird species have been recorded in the planning domain.

The wetlands of the Touw and Swartvlei systems support one of South Africa’s most significant waterbird assemblages, which was the prime motivation for the listing of parts of the Touw system as a Ramsar wetland. About 110 bird species, over 35% of all species in the planning domain, are dependent upon or primarily associated with wetlands. Rondevlei and Langvlei support the most diverse and abundant water bird communities, with surveys on Langvlei indicating that at


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times water bird abundance can exceed 7000 individuals comprising 65 species. This abundance of water birds, and in particular ducks and geese, which on Langvlei alone at times exceeds 2000 individuals of nine species, represents the largest concentration of species and individuals along the southern and eastern Cape coasts.

A rich diversity of fish is found in the marine section of the park, with a total 202 fish species from 84 families recorded (Buxton and Smale 1984; Burger 1991; Wood et al. 2000) The size and species composition of fish differ between shallow and deep reefs in the park (Buxton and Smale 1984), and species diversity and richness tends to increase with depth (Burger 1990). Nine fish species have been recorded in the Duiwe and Touw rivers (Russell 1999b) three of which are alien. In excess of 200 species of fish have been recorded in the Knysna Estuary. Fifteen fish species have been recoreded in the major estuaries of the Tsitsikamma region. Three of the species were estuarine-‐dependent, the others were marine species, having various degrees of dependence upon estuaries during the juvenile phase of their life cycle.

5.4 History of planning domain

Prior to the arrival of the first European settlers in the southern Cape semi-‐nomadic hunter-‐gatherers who lived off the land inhabited the area (SANParks, 2009). Their main impact on the landscape was probably the use of fire for hunting, which contributed to the fragmentation and location pattern of the forests.

By 1711, the occurrence of large tracts of forest in ‘Outeniqualand’ had been reported to the Cape administration. However, these forests remained largely inaccessible for the following 60 years. A woodcutter's post was established near the present-‐day town of George in 1776, from where timber was transported overland to Cape Town. Reckless forest destruction was already taking place when Governor Joachim van Plettenberg visited the area in 1778. He appointed Johann Meeding as resident at Plettenberg Bay to try and curb the rate of exploitation. Meeding built a timber shed and entered into a contract with the woodcutters to supply timber. No conservation measures were introduced, but there was a semblance of control. The first shipment of timber left Plettenberg Bay for Cape Town in 1788. The town of George was founded in 1811. The timber market was boosted and forest destruction continued to accelerate. The forest began to be exploited for the British Royal Navy in 1812 and, in spite of the dangerous passage through The Heads, a port was developed at Knysna for the transportation of timber. There was an increase in the demand for timber for the construction of wagons when the Great Trek commenced in 1836. It was also at this time that the Tsitsikamma forests were opened up for the first time.

In 1846 all worked-‐out forests were closed by the Government, divided up into lots and sold by public auction. The remaining forests were reserved as Crown forests and put under the control of local magistrates who were to issue felling licences. However, by 1847 forest destruction was so bad that all Crown forests were closed


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for harvesting. The first Conservator of Forests, L. Haswell, was appointed to protect the reserved forests. The Crown forests re-‐opened in 1856 because of the timber shortage. A second Conservator, Captain Christopher Harison, was appointed to protect the Tsitsikamma forests. The “Great Fire” of 1869, which stretched from Humansdorp to Riversdale, caused considerable damage in the region and spurred the Cape government to strengthen control over the forests. Captain Harison was appointed Conservator over the whole area in 1874, based in Knysna. An attempt was made to stem the tide of destruction, but public pressure and the increased demands for timber due to the diamond rush at Kimberley in the 1870’s, the gold rush at Millwood during the 1870’s and the gold rush in the Witwatersrand during the 1880’s frustrated these efforts.

French forest officer, Count M. de Vasselot de Regné, was appointed as Superintendent of Woods and Forests for the whole Cape Colony in 1880. He introduced the first real efforts towards conservation of the forests. The Forestry Department was developed and professional forestry officers were appointed who played important roles in the development of forest management in the region and rest of the country for decades to follow. The section system for controlling timber harvesting was introduced in 1884. The Cape Forest Act was passed in 1888, which made demarcated forest inalienable. This gave a greater degree of protection to the forests. The first timber plantations were established near Knysna so as to reduce the timber demand on the indigenous forests.

However, even under the section system forest destruction continued because the demand for timber made the woodcutters exceed the recommended volume to be removed. The registered woodcutter system was brought to an end in 1939 and an annuity was provided to the remaining woodcutters. The Department of Forestry closed the forests to all exploitation from 1940 to 1964 except for the cutting of dead and dying trees and the working of windfalls. The focus of the Department shifted to the establishment and management of plantations of exotic timber trees.

An indigenous forest research station was established at Saasveld, near George in 1964, under the leadership of Dr. Friedrich von Breitenbach. A system of multiple-‐use conservation management was developed and applied that formed the basis for the management system applied today. The selection system for timber yield regulation was introduced, based on basal area. This has subsequently been modified and improved upon.

After extensive negotiations between the National Parks Board and the then Secretary of the Department of Forestry and his Minister, the Tsitsikamma Coastal and Forest National Parks were proclaimed in 1964 to establish South Africa’s first marine protected area and conserve the associated coastal forests of the region. The size of the park has changed over the years, with the following proclamations:


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• The seaward boundary of the park between the Groot (east) -‐ and the Bloukrans rivers was extended to three nautical miles offshore (Government Gazette No 8871, Notice 125, 3 September 1983).

• De Vasselot Nature Reserve was added to the coastal park (Government Gazette No 11068, Notice No 2814 & 2815, 18 December 1987)

• The small Tsitsikamma Forest National Park was deproclaimed in 1989 (Government Gazette 1989), and the name of the coastal park was shortened to the Tsitsikamma National Park (Government Gazette No 17298, Notice 1077, 28 June 1996).

• In October 1991 a 30 year lease was signed with Rand Mines Properties Limited to contractually manage the Soetkraal area, and in 1997 Soetkraal was proclaimed a contractual park in terms of the National Parks Act, 1976 (Government Gazette No 17728, Notice 100. 17 January 1997, National Parks Act, 1976 (Act No. 57 of 1976).

• The seaward boundary of the De Vasselot section was extended 0.5 nautical miles (0.9 km) offshore (Government Gazette No 17073, Notice 538, 4 April 1996), and in December 2000 the marine section of the park (excluding the above De Vasselot marine area) became the Tsitsikamma National Park Marine Protected Area (Government Gazette No. 21948, Notice 1429, 29 December 2000, Marine Living Resources Act 1998 (Act No. 18 of 1998).

• In 1995 Erven 382, 444 and the Remainder of Erf 434, Nature's Valley were proclaimed as a contractual section of the park (Government Gazette No 16293, Notice 368, 10 March 1995), followed in 1996 by (Buitenverwachting) Portion 1 of Farm 299 and Portion 3 of the farm Matjies River 295 (Government Gazette No 16927, Notice 30, 19 January 1996)

The Wilderness National Park was proclaimed in 1983 to protect the unique lakes system of the area, with subsequent additions made in 1986 (Swartvlei System), 1987 (state lands in the Wilderness National Lake Area), 1991 (Rondevlei and lands between Rondevlei and Swartvlei Lake), and 1997 (lower Duiwe River). The objective of the park was to conserve the Touw and Swartvlei Systems (collectively referred to as the Wilderness lakes) and associated historic and cultural assets and natural landscape features. Portions of the Touw System (Rondevlei, Langvlei, Eilandvlei, Serpentine) were designated in terms of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) as a Wetland of International Importance in 1991.

The Knysna National Lake Area was proclaimed in 1985 in order to protect the Knysna Estuary.

With respect to the Former State Forests, the former DWAF managed 41 538.6 ha of State Forest land in the southern Cape and Tsitsikamma. This land is scattered on the narrow coastal strip to the south of the Outeniqua and


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Tsitsikamma Mountain ranges, between George in the west and Kareedouw in the east, with a small area known as Loerie Nature Reserve occurring further east at Longmore Plantation near Hankey.

The area was managed from the Area Office in Knysna and is subdivided into three forest estates:

• Farleigh Forest Estate includes the areas between George and the Knysna River, consisting of the areas known as Groenkop, Bergplaas, Karatara and Goudveld. Farleigh now forms part of the Wilderness section of the GRNP (together with the former Wilderness National Park).

• Diepwalle Forest Estate lies between the Knysna River and Plettenberg Bay, consisting of Gouna, Ysternek Nature Reserve, Diepwalle, Fisantehoek and Harkerville (Diepwalle now forms part of the Knysna section of the GRNP (together with the Knysna National Lake Area).

• Tsitsikamma Forest Estate, with its office at the Storms River Village, comprises the areas to the east of Plettenberg Bay, viz. Whiskey Creek Nature Reserve, Bloukrans, Lottering, Storms River, Blueliliesbush, Witelsbos and the Loerie Nature Reserve (Tsitsikamma Forest Estate now forms part of the Tsitsikamma section of the GRNP (together with the former Tsistsikamma National Park).

The Garden Route National Park (GRNP) was proclaimed in March 2009.

SANParks is responsible for the management of the GRNP, which includes the previously DWAF managed indigenous state forests and mountain catchment areas in the Outeniqua and Tsitsikamma Mountains, as well as the established Wilderness National Park, Tsitsikamma National Park, and the Knysna Protected Area (Knysna National Lake Area).

This history section was extracted from the General Management Plan of the Garden Route National Park.

5.4.1 Land ownership in planning domain

Land in the planning domain is either owned by the state or by private landowners. Land owned by the state in the planning domain is managed by numerous different state management agencies (see Figure 1) with the protected areas management agencies while SANParks, Cape Nature and, to a lesser degree, Eastern Cape Parks, are the key role-‐players in terms of nature-‐based tourism development in the planning domain.

5.4.2 Existing tourism image of planning domain

All planning domains have an existing tourism image if any form of tourism activity exists or has taken place in the domain. An existing tourism image is that image or “brand” that has been established for the planning domain over time. In


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many instances, the existing tourism image of the planning domain has evolved with the establishment of tourism products and activities in the planning domain over time. However, the existing tourism image of the planning domain may significantly influence its future development potential if not modified to enhance its potential as a tourist destination.

Therefore it is important to define the existing tourism image of the planning domain and compare it to the proposed tourism image of the planning domain as defined in the strategic framework or individual Tourism Development Areas (TDAs). The difference between the existing and proposed tourism images of the planning domain provides an indication of the extent and how necessary it is to change the perceptions of the planning domain as a tourist destination to potential tourists.

The tourism image of the planning domain may be described as:

“An extremely popular tourist destination area with a wide and diverse range of historical, cultural, natural and coastal nature-based tourism, leisure and recreational experiences. ”

5.5 Tourism resources & attractions

The planning domain has a wide and expansive range of tourism resources and attractions. These resources and attractions may be utilized to attract visitors to the planning domain.

5.5.1 Tourism resources and attractions

Tourism resources are natural, historical or cultural phenomena that attract visitors to the planning domain in the first instance to experience these resources. Tourism resources, which form the foundation on which a tourism economy is established and tourist attractions are specific “things” or phenomena that attract tourists to the planning domain in the first instance, are described in detail in each of the Tourism Development Area (TDAs) plans for tourism development to follow.

5.6 Movement of tourists in planning domain

The movement of tourists through the planning domain is dependent on the number, location and popularity of tourism resources, tourist attractions and tourist products situated in the planning domain. Existing tour routes further influences this movement and tourism flows through or in close proximity to the planning domain.

The movement of tourists through the planning domain is greatly influenced by the nature, extent and quality of the infrastructure necessary to support such movement, such as road, rail and air networks as well as gateways into the planning domain.


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5.6.1 Road & transport infrastructure in the planning domain

In most developing regions, the tourism economy makes use of existing public road and transport infrastructure. The extent and quality of this infrastructure may hinder or enhance the tourism economy and its development. For instance, in some rural or wild areas overseas tourists may enjoy travelling on dirt tracks as it is part of the vacation experience that they had purchased and expected as part of the visitor experience to a developing region. In other instances, a badly potholed tarred road would result in an uncomfortable journey for overseas tourists detracting from the holiday experience.

5.6.1.1 Road network

The nature, extent and surface quality of the road and track network in the planning domain is the most important component of its tourism economy and future development.

The road network in the planning domain is assessed in the table below:

Table 1 Assessment of road infrastructure and network in the planning domain.

CCRITERIARITERIA AASSESSMENTSSESSMENT

Extent of road network in planning domain

The extent of the road network in the planning domain is extensive and covers the entire planning domain with the exception of the mountainous areas. There are very few places in the planning domain that may not be serviced within acceptable limits by road.

Overall condition of primary tourism access routes to planning domain.

The primary road network in the planning domain is of extremely high standard, particularly given the upgrading of the N2 National Road and Toll Roads. Secondary roads in the planning domain are tarred and in acceptable condition. Many of these secondary roads, if not maintained in the next few years, are likely to deteriorate to the extent that they may discourage tourists from travelling along them. Minor roads in the planning domain are usually gravel and vary considerably in condition depending on rainfall and the amount of heavy traffic, such as logging trucks, that make use of these roads.

Road surface condition of primary tour routes.

Road surfaces of the primary tour routes are of a high standard comparable with European standards.

Road access to primary tourist attractions.

Other than a few important tourist attractions, such as Millwood, most attractions are either on the primary tour route or already have good quality access roads serving these attractions.

Signage along tourist routes and roads.

Signage along tour routes is of a high standard and controlled by the road signage section of the National Roads Department. Although there is sufficient signage to provide tourists with an ample


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amount of information, the proliferation of signage is having a negative visual impact on the natural scenery through which tour route passes. Consolidation of signage and signage free road reserves along tour routes would contribute significantly to the enhancement of the visual landscape along tour routes.

Road safety South Africa has a very poor road safety record that results in tens of thousands of injuries and deaths per year (14 200 road deaths in 2008 or 26,5 per 100 000 population). Of all road deaths 41% are pedestrian, which is alarming as the N2 passes directly through tourism pedestrian dense Knysna main street.

Security Security and safety while travelling on roads in the planning domain is currently not a major concern but may increase as organised crime, population numbers and poverty levels increase.

Summary Road conditions in the planning domain should not be a detraction or inhibitor to tourism development in the planning domain.

5.6.1.2 Airports & airfields

The planning domain has no international airports, two regional airports and numerous registered and unregistered airfields.

Table 2 Airports and airfields in the planning domain.

AA IRPORT IRPORT &&

AA IRFIELDSIRFIELDS SSTATUSTATUS DDESCRIPTIONESCRIPTION

George Airport Regional Primary Airport

George airport is serviced by regular, scheduled flights by four main domestic airlines and numerous smaller airlines linking George to Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg. There were 299 767 departing passengers and 23 556 arriving air traffic movements at George airport in 2007.

Plettenberg Bay Airport

Secondary Regional Airport

Plettenberg Bay is not serviced by any primary domestic airlines. The Plettenberg Bay airport is likely to be expanded to take larger aircraft in the near future, such as the smaller aircraft in SAA’s Airbus fleet. The development is to be undertaken by the private sector.

5.6.1.3 Railways

The only railway that was of importance to the planning domain was the track between George and Knysna on which ran the Outeniqua Choo-‐tjoe train. This train had become a tourism icon of the planning domain over the past forty years but severe weather damaged the track and supporting infrastructure in 2007. The train service no longer operates.


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The option of outsourcing the track and train service to a private sector operator has been considered and is a realistic option if financially viable. However, the outcomes of a feasibility study undertaken in 2009 reveal that the repair and reconstruction of destroyed sections of track and operation of the Choo-‐tjoe is not viable. Therefore, it is unlikely that the Choo-‐tjoe will operate between George and Knysna again. However, the possibility still exists of the train operating on certain sections of the track that have not have not been damaged.

Figure 2 The route of the Outeniqua Choo-tjoe train between George and Knysna that used to be a primary tourist attraction of the planning domain before severe storms damaged the tracks and supporting infrastructure resulting in a suspension of the service.

5.6.1.4 Harbours

There are no harbours of national significance in the planning domain other than Knysna lagoon. The southern section of the lagoon, with access via the passage through The Heads, has for centuries operate as port for the Knysna area. However, effective and efficient road transport has replaced the need for a deep-‐water harbour. The old harbour facilities have been redeveloped as a marina for leisure crafts and have become a primary focal area of Knysna’s tourism economy.


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Figure 3 The historical role of Knysna harbour has been replaced by that of a leisure function. A number of leisure craft jetties and slipways are located around the edge of the lagoon.

5.6.2 Tour routes in the planning domain

The planning domain has a number of existing tour routes that can be classified as either primary or secondary tour routes based on their significance and contribution to the tourism economy of the planning domain.

Table 3 Primary and secondary tour routes in the planning domain.

TTOURIST OURIST RROUTEOUTE DDESCRIPTIONESCRIPTION

Primary Tour RoutesPrimary Tour Routes N2 Garden Route tour route The N2 is the primary tour route through the

planning domain along which the majority of tourists who visit the planning domain will travel.

Secondary Tour RoutesSecondary Tour Routes Wilderness – Millwood – Knysna tour route

The back roads north of the N2 combine to form a series of networked tour routes. These routes effectively link Wilderness to Millwood and then onto Knysna. There are a number of interlinking roads that provide alternative access to this route. The condition of the surface of this tour route varies from b-‐grade tar to gravel, which may be in poor condition during the wet season and also due to high truck traffic volumes. The scenery through which the tour passes is


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predominantly rural agricultural, although there are small sections of wonderful indigenous forest. Although this route has been in existence for many years, and it has been promoted over a long period of time by local tourism organizations, it has never gained significant popularity resulting in the establishment of a tour route associated tourism economy along the route. The establishment of more attractions, activities and experiences along this route would increase it usage by tourists and secure it role as a tour route.

Knysna to Millwood This route is not so much a tour route as a road to a tourist destination attraction, Millwood. It is used frequently by tourists due to the popularity of Millwood as a historical and heritage tourist attraction. There is potential to developed the importance of this route based on a significant further development of Millwood’s tourist facilities and thereby enhance the flow, importance and potential needed to drive a tour route related tourism economy.

Prince Alfred’s Pass to Plettenberg Bay

This gravel pass is popular with domestic tourists who have all terrain motor vehicles and self-‐drive overseas tourists in hired cars. The pass is narrow and winding with a gravel surface. This tour route links the planning domain with the R62 tour route, which is another popular tour route in the southern Cape tourism region.

N2 to Nature’s Valley to N2 via the river gorges’ passes

The alternative road to the toll road between Plettenberg Bay and Storms River is a scenic treasure of the planning domain that is under-‐utilized and under promoted. It is one section of the Garden Route tour route that brings back to tourists the splendours of the Garden Route from a past era before rampant urban and tourism development took place in the planning domain. Flooding in 2007 has left the road surface in poor condition but repairs and maintenance work is being carried out in 2009 that will restore the road surface to a tourism acceptable quality.


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Figure 4 Popular tour routes in the planning domain between Wilderness and Knysna.

Figure 5 Popular tour routes in the planning domain between Nature’s Valley and Knysna.

Proposed tour routes

One of the objectives of the strategic framework for this tourism development plan is to establish tour routes and attractions that draw tourists away from the N2 and the urban areas of Knysna, Plettenberg Bay and Wilderness.


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Figure 6 Proposed tourism planning intervention to develop and grow a circular tour route between Knysna and an up-graded Millwood fed by a secondary tour route from Wilderness via the rural back roads of the planning domain.

The strategy would be to develop Millwood as a cultural and historical tourist attraction as well as an activity gateway for outdoor, nature-‐based tourism attractions. Then the challenge would be to establish a circular tourism flow between Knysna and Millwood. The establishment of this circuit would require the development of a link road between Millwood and the R339 minor road.

The establishment of this circuit and the attraction at Millwood would serve to draw tourists away from Knysna and the N2, which are rapidly becoming congested, and spread the economic benefits of tourism more widely as well as to strive to keep tourists in the sub-‐region for longer.

5.7 Existing tourism products in the planning domain

Tourism products are the collective title for tourist facilities, services, activities and experiences. An assessment of most of the tourism products in protected area in the planning domain was undertaken, and where possible, interviews were conducted with the managers of such tourism products.

An assessment of these products is undertaken in detail for each Tourism Development Area (TDA).

5.8 Assessment of tourists in the planning domain

Tourism statistics have not been collected systematically nor consistently for all protected areas in the planning domain. This inconsistency may lead to inaccurate and misleading visitor trends and profiles. Data collection has been collected systematically and consistently at two of the most popular protected tourism areas in the planning domain, Tsitsikamma and Wilderness sections of the Garden Route National Park. Data from these two tourism areas will be used


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to extrapolate trends for the tourists that visit the protected areas of the planning domain.

5.8.1 Day and overnight visitors The Garden Route National Park received 183 150 day and overnight visitors during 2008 who participated in 12 188 activities in the Park. Nearly two thirds of all tourists (63%) who visit protected areas in the planning domain are likely to visit as day visitors (Table 4), while slightly more than a third of all visitors (37%) will spend at least one night in the protected area. The high percentage of day visitors is indicative of the abundance of hospitality facilities throughout the planning domain that allows tourists to reside outside the protected areas at night but experience them as day visitors. During the high season demand for accommodation inside protected areas usually exceeds supply, particularly during the ultra-‐high season when domestic tourists take their traditional, annual holiday at the coast. The directive for tourism planning is to strive to provide activities inside protected areas that are suitable for the 63% of visitors who visit protected areas in the planning domain on a daily basis.

Table 4 Overnight and day visitors to the planning domain.

Tsitsikamma Wilderness Total Type of visitor Number % Number % Number %

Day visitors 104476 67% 10512 38% 114988 63%

Overnight visitors 51286 33% 16876 62% 68162 37%

TOTAL 155762 100% 27388 100% 183150 100%

5.8.2 Place of origin Visitor statistics collected in the Garden Route National Park reveal that slightly more than half (55%) of visitors are South African domestic tourists and slightly less than half (45%) come from overseas (see Table 5). Visitor arrivals from SADC countries are insignificant in number.

Table 5 Place of origin of visitors visiting the Garden Route National Park in 2008.

Tsitsikamma Wilderness Total Type of visitor

Number % Number % Number % SA Resident 78022 50% 23434 86% 101456 55%

SADC National 662 0% 49 0% 711 0% International (excl SADC) 77078 49% 3905 14% 80983 44%

TOTAL 155762 100% 27388 100% 183150 100%


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The most overseas tourists visiting the protected areas of the planning domain come from Germany (35%) and then followed equally by the United Kingdom (13%) and Holland (13%) see Table 6. The rest of Europe combined contributes 11% and the United States (3%) of all tourists visiting the protected areas in the planning domain. The number of visitors that come from other countries in Africa is an insignificant 2%.

Tsitsikamma (79 231) receives nearly twenty times more overseas visitors than Wilderness (4 017). Most of the 79 231 visitors are likely to travel through Wilderness on their way to Tsitsikamma. It is these seventy five thousand tourists who do not go to Wilderness that create a huge opportunity for the proposed Wilderness Activity Centre. The financial and economic benefits are predicted to be substantial for SANParks and the community of Wilderness if the proposed Wilderness Activity Centre can capture a large proportion of this untapped passing tourist market. The probability of capturing a significant proportion of the overseas tourist traffic travelling in a West to East direction at the Wilderness Activity Centre is good as the Centre would be the first instance where tourists would be able to view and experience the Indian Ocean and beach after leaving Cape Town to travel along the N2 tour route.

Table 6 Top ten countries source markets for protected areas in planning domain in 2008.

Tsitsikamma Wilderness Total Rank Type of visitor

Number % Number % Number % 1 Germany 27142 34% 1863 46% 29005 35% 2 United Kingdom 10461 13% 647 16% 11108 13% 3 Holland 10297 13% 499 12% 10796 13% 4 France 3991 5% 136 3% 4127 5% 5 Switzerland 1886 2% 100 2% 1986 2% 6 Belgium 3290 4% 78 2% 3368 4% 7 United States 2361 3% 76 2% 2437 3% 8 Italy 1803 2% 65 2% 1868 2% 9 Australia 1643 2% 94 2% 1737 2% 10 All Africa 1491 2% 63 2% 1554 2% Other countries 14866 19% 396 10% 15262 18%

TOTAL 79231 100% 4017 100% 83248 100%

However, an interview visitor survey conducted in all protected areas of the planning domain during the first high season of 2009 revealed that the vast majority of visitors (96%) were from South Africa (see Table 7).

Table 7 Place of origin of visitors to all protected areas in the planning domain during the peak summer tourist season of 2009.

Place of origin Total % South Africa 108 96% Elsewhere 4 4%

TOTAL 112 100%


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More than half the tourists visiting protected areas (51%) in the planning domain reside permanently in the Western Cape (see Table 8). This high proportion of visitors from the Western Cape in conjunction with overseas tour groups travelling in a west to east direction along the Garden Route N2 tour route, are responsible for the strong tourism flow along the western section of the N2 Garden Route tour route.

The next highest proportion of visitors after the Western Cape is from Gauteng (20%). The majority of Gauteng visitors tend to visit the planning domain during the high and ultra-‐high tourism seasons. These visitors drive the northern tourism flow when travelling by motor vehicle. However, stakeholders report increasing numbers of Gauteng visitors taking advantage of cheap airfares to fly from Gauteng to George and Port Elizabeth for short holiday breaks in the planning domain. These visitors usually hire a budget priced vehicle from a car hire company at the airport for the duration of their short holiday break.

Table 8 Place of permanent residence of domestic tourists visiting protected areas in the planning domain.

Tsitsikamma Wilderness Total Type of visitor

Number % Number % Number % Eastern Cape 17794 23% 1277 5% 19071 19%

Free State 2505 3% 129 1% 2634 3% Gauteng 18755 24% 1745 7% 20500 20%

Kwazulu Natal 2350 3% 122 1% 2472 2% Limpopo 466 1% 10 0% 476 0%

Mpumalanga 1199 2% 117 0% 1316 1% North West 2380 3% 146 1% 2526 2%

Northern Cape 335 0% 500 2% 835 1% Western Cape 32238 41% 19388 83% 51626 51%

TOTAL 78022 100% 23434 100% 101456 100%

An interview survey conducted during the peak holiday season in January and February 2009 in all the protected areas of the planning domain confirmed that most visitors came from Cape Town (46%) followed by Gauteng (24%) and Port Elizabeth (9%). Only 12% of all visiting parties interviewed during the survey came from the Eastern Cape.

An assessment of overseas visitor trends reveals consistent market conditions.


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Table 9 City of residence of domestic tourists who visited protected areas in the planning domain during the 2009 high tourism season.

Place of residence Number of travel parties %

Cape Town 47 46% Worcester 1 1% George 2 2% Mossel Bay 2 2% Beaufort West 1 1% Other Western Cape 4 4% Sub-‐total Western Cape 57

Port Elizabeth 9 9% Storms River 1 1% Other Eastern Cape 2 2%

Sub-‐total Eastern Cape 12

Gauteng 25 24%

Pietermaritzburg 1 1% Durban 2 2% Kwazulu Natal 2 2% Bloemfontein 1 1% Other South Africa 3 3%

Sub-‐total Rest of RSA 9

TOTAL 103 100%

5.8.3 Race of visitors The use of protected areas in the planning domain still reflect historical racial patterns with 88% of users being classified as coming from the White population group (see Table 10).

Table 10 Race of domestic visitors to the Garden Route National Park in 2008.

Day visitors Overnight visitors Total Race of visitor Number % Number % Number % Black 7028 16% 2584 7% 9612 12% White 36399 84% 32011 93% 68410 88% TOTAL 43427 100% 34595 100% 78022 100%


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The 2009 visitor survey of protected areas in the planning domain revealed that the percentage of visitors from the White population group decreased by 8%1 during the peak, ultra-‐high tourism season over the traditional Christmas / New Year holiday period (see Table 11). The increase in Coloured and Black visitors during the ultra-‐high tourism season is a reflection on the traditional holiday and recreation patterns where members of these population groups traditionally take their annual holiday during this period. However, an increase in proportion of Black and Coloured visitors to the planning domain can be expected in the future as the number and proportion of Black and Coloured middle-‐class grows in numbers and proportion relative to Whites in Cape Town. The trend is for middle-‐class people to have increased levels of disposable income for leisure purposes (in non-‐recessionary periods) and the trend for Black and Coloured middle-‐class people to adopt the recreation patterns of the White population group, particularly among younger people.

Table 11 Race of visitors interviewed during the 2009 Visitor Survey of protected areas in the planning domain in 2009.

Race of visitor Number % Black 7 8%

Coloured 9 11% Indian 1 1% White 68 80% TOTAL 85 100%

The implication for tourism development planning is two fold: (i) to plan tourism products, activities and experiences based on the current and traditional recreation and leisure patterns of the emerging Black and Coloured middle-‐class market that do not have a long history of protected areas visitation and may be different to leisure patterns of the White community and overseas tourists; or (ii) to establish a programme of sensitising Black and Coloured communities to outdoor, nature-‐based recreation and leisure activities appropriate to protected areas in the planning domain. The latter intervention is preferable as it provides a community service and it markets the benefits of protected areas recreation and tourism to a younger generation that is rapidly being influenced to participating in non-‐outdoor recreation-‐based activities, and furthers the conservation aims and goals of the protected area management agency.

5.8.4 Preferred type of accommodation

Visitor statistics collected by the Garden Route National Park reveal that only 8% more bed nights in hutted accommodation (77 543) were sold than camping person nights (66 051) during 2008 (see Table 12). These figures reveal the popularity of camping as a preferred type of holiday accommodation in the

1 Note that 19,8% of survey respondents refused to answer the question as to the race group to which they belonged.


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planning domain. Storms River is the most popular of the three GRNP hospitality locations due to its location on the coast, the rest camp being located in the centre of a perceived “wilderness” area and little competition from other comparable locations.

The implication that these statistic have for tourism development planning in the planning domain is that provision needs to be made for camping as a preferred and more affordable type of accommodation for many users of protected areas in the planning domain. Camping tends to be cyclical with tourism seasons resulting in a perception that it is not popular due to high frequency that campgrounds are not fully occupied. Enhanced camp stands that provide an added level of convenience and luxury are likely to be more popular, such as the Diepwalle camping platforms, if they are located in prime locations where location and the camping experience optimise the natural surroundings and feeling of being in the bush. Unfortunately, the Diepwalle facility is not well located to achieve this experience. The desired experience would most likely have been achieved had this facility been located a kilometre further away from the management station.

Table 12 Percentage visitor nights spent in hutted and camping accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008.

Location Hutted bed nights sold

Camping person

nights sold

Total nights sold

Nature's Valley 3913 11579 15492 Storms River 51914 33424 85338 Wilderness 21716 21048 42764

Total 77543 66051 143594 % 54% 46% 100%

The peak season interview survey of 2009 indicated that half those interviewed (see Table 13) chose to reside in hutted accommodation and the other half chose to camp or caravan. Slightly fewer chose to caravan than camp, which indicates the increasing popularity of camping during high seasons as a less expensive alternative to caravanning and hutted accommodation.

Table 13 Preferred type of holiday accommodation in all protected areas during the peak summer holiday period of 2009.

Type of accommodation Number Percentage Camping 32 28% Caravans 26 23% Hutted accommodation 55 49% Total 113 100%


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However, caravan and camping occupancy rates decrease significantly during the low seasons but do increase over the Easter and long weekends.

Camping statistics for the Garden Route National Park reveal that campground occupancy rates seldom rise above a quarter full (see Table 14). The highest campground occupancy rates was for Storms River which is likely to be most popular due to its stunning location overlooking a rugged, high energy coastline. Campground occupancy rates for Nature’s Valley and Wilderness were a lowly 15% for 2008. The rationale behind such low occupancy has been the tradition of providing the opportunity for South Africans to access popular coastal nature areas during the peak holiday seasons. This strategy is a legacy that has been inherited from a past political regime, which paid scant attention to the financial viability of such facilities. Nevertheless, 66 051 camping nights accommodation were sold which still injects significant financial value into the regional tourism economy as those visitor consume a whole range of other tourism produce including meals, refreshments, activities, fuel and curios. Furthermore, camping is a popular and traditional activity with many in historically disadvantaged communities. Camping has traditionally taken place over the summer industry holiday period, but the challenge to the marketing agents of the planning domain is to strive to extend this activity into other periods outside of the peak holiday season.

Table 14 Occupancy statistics for camping in Garden Route National Park in 2008.

Location Site nights sold

Camp ground

occupancy

Person nights sold

% Person nights sold

Nature's Valley 3505 15% 11579 18% Storms River 10177 26% 33424 51% Wilderness 6928 15% 21048 32%

Total 20610 19% 66051 100%

5.8.5 Occupancy rates of tourism accommodation in protected areas

Unit occupancy is a better measurement of demand for tourism products than bed occupancy as it excludes the size of the visitor group to the number of beds available in accommodation units provided. Unit occupancy for hutted accommodation in the Garden Route National Park is 60,3%.


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Table 15 Visitor arrivals in Garden Route National Park (11 months ended February 2010).

% Increase in

number of visitors

Previous Year

Current Year

%

Increase/decrease

Total Guest to Park

165 612

181 584

9.6% Increase

Total Overnight visitors

61 129

64 285

5.6% Increase

Total Day visitors

104 485

117 299

12.26% Increase

% Increase in the Total number of Black visitors as our emerging market

% Increase in domestic Black

Visitors

Previous Year

Current Year

% Increase/decr.

Overall Black visitors

11067 11146 0.71% incr

Day Visitors

7547

7679

1.75% Incr

Overnight Black visitors

3520

3467

1.53% Decrease

Storms River, which is more popular with tourists than Nature’s Valley and Wilderness, has a high annual unit occupancy of 73,9% (see Table 16). Obviously, the quality and location of the camp location is an important factor influencing unit occupancy, the better the location usually results in higher occupancies, but a good match between tourism party size and the unit size / number of beds influences unit occupancy rates too. A close match between the size of the touring party (usually couples travelling along the Garden Route) and twin bed accommodation units is likely to result in higher unit occupancy rates as guests get and perceived better value for money. This phenomenon is illustrated in Nature’s Valley where the unit occupancy is 49% and the bed occupancy is 48,9%. The accommodation units that were available at Nature’s Valley at the time were only two bed units. This factor is important in the planning of future tourism accommodation in the planning domain where a preference in the supply of accommodation should be given to accommodation units that are suitable and appropriate to couples. The survey undertaken of visitors entering visitor information centres on the Garden Route reported that 59,8% of tourists interviewed were travelling as couples(Cape Town Routes Unlimited, 2008).


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Table 16 Unit occupancy for all hutted accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008.

Location Unit nights sold

Unit occupancy

Nature's Valley 1960 49,0% Storms River 20438 73,9% Wilderness 9029 50,9%

Total 31427 60,3%

Bed occupancies on average for protected areas in the planning domain are 47,6% (see Error! Reference source not found.Table 17) indicating that half of the beds provided in the planning domain were not used resulting in lower levels of financial viability.

Table 17 Bed night occupancy for all hutted accommodation in Garden Route National Park during 2008.

Location Bed nights sold

Bed occupancy

Nature's Valley 3913 48,9% Storms River 51914 63,9% Wilderness 21716 41,1%

Total 77543 47,6%

5.8.6 Implications for tourism development planning

Not all the visitor statistics were available for all products and protected areas in the planning domain. However, reliable and consistent visitor utilization data has been gathered for the Garden Route National Park, which would comprise the bulk of visitor nights spent in protected area in the planning domain. These statistics have been used to project trends onto all protected areas in the planning domain for the purposes of strategic tourism development planning.

From an assessment of these statistics the following factors are to be considered in planning future tourism products in those protected areas that comprise the planning domain:

• Provide visitor accommodation that is suitable for both the overseas and domestic market in size, scale, design, service provision, quality of FFEs and affordability.

• Overnight accommodation provision should focus on the needs and demands of dominant sector of the current market, which is the couples market. Therefore a highest proportion of hutted accommodation units should be twin bed units.

• The high rate of empty beds indicates a mismatch between size of guest party and the number of beds provided per unit. When four-‐bed units need to be replaced, they should be replaced with two-‐bed unit.


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• Camping is a popular activity in the planning domain and provision should be made to upgrade and further encourage this activity outside peak tourism seasons and be promoted to emerging middle-‐class South Africans.

• The emerging middle-‐class market is a market that has huge potential to develop further. The needs and demands of this market sector should be factored into tourism development planning for future provision for this market segment.

References

CAPE TOWN ROUTES UNLIMITED (2008) Survey of visitors to Visitor Centres on the Garden Route: First Quarter 2007.

SANPARKS (2009) Managment Plan for the Garden Route National Park.

psn 125 gri tourism development plan ver 3 chapter 5

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