The Cape Winelands is one of the regions hardest hit by the devastating storms over heritage weekend.
This has come to light following the launch of an online survey by the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Officials are hard at work to assess and fully understand the impact of the storms that lashed the Cape on Sunday 24 and Monday 25 September completely, and particularly its effects on tourism and hospitality businesses. The other region greatly affected by the storm is the Overberg.
“It is vital for us, the Western Cape government, to get as much information as we can on the impact of the storm, so we are able to prioritise needs,” explained Mireille Wenger, provincial Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities.
“Which is why I would like to encourage as many tourism and hospitality businesses to participate in an online survey, which we have kept open to ensure as many stakeholders as possible are able to give their inputs.”
Preliminary findings of the survey so far include:
. The majority of the responses received are from private businesses (accounting for 91% of responses), while it is clear state-owned attractions such as parks, botanical gardens, resorts and camping sites have also been affected.
. The five most affected towns (based on responses to date) are Franschhoek (11,81% of respondents), Kleinmond (9,45%), Hermanus (8,66%), Betty’s Bay (7,87%) and McGregor (7,09). The damage sustained was therefore concentrated in the Overberg and Cape Winelands, although damage has also been reported as far afield as George.
. The affected properties are predominantly accommodation establishments (38% of respondents), restaurants, bars and cafés (19%), wine tourism attractions (8%), trail networks (6%) and retail stores (6%).
. 44% of respondents indicated that they have insurance cover, but some pointed out that not all damage or losses sustained are covered. In addition, 26% of respondents are unsure whether they will be covered by insurance. In all, 29% of respondents are not covered.
. 63% of respondents had to close their businesses temporarily.
“The tourism and hospitality sector really has been through the wringer over the last few years, but I am heartened by its resilience and unique ability to bounce back,” Wenger said.
“The sheer tenacity of this sector is remarkable – every person and business makes a much-needed contribution to our economy and job creation. We need to do all we can to address the storm damage with purpose, so we can robustly weather any future extreme events.”
Wenger said a bumper summer season is expected, with 215 international flights per week into Cape Town International Airport from January 2024, up from 191 in the previous season.
“To make sure we are ready to welcome visitors across the province I will be hosting an industry-readiness event later this month, bringing key stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sector together to discuss key preparations for the upcoming summer, including the impact of and mop-up after the storm.”
Local tourist attractions can participate in the survey by clicking here.
