Knysna Tourism launches new campaign
One year after the Knysna fires of 7 June, Knysna Tourism has launched its new destination marketing campaign, #SpiritofKnysna, with the release of a new destination video.
The two-minute video was filmed in Knysna and Sedgefield and showcases the lagoon, forest and beaches.
It was produced by local filmmaker Daron Chatz using local personalities and models from Ace Models. The original soundtrack was written and recorded by local musician Tigger Reunert.
The video was made possible with funds from provincial destination marketing entity Wesgro which gave Knysna Tourism R100 000 to market the town following the fires of June last year.
‘Next major step after fires’
Knysna Tourism chair Elmay Bouwer says the campaign is the next major step after the #KnysnaRises campaign, which was launched a week after the fires broke out last year. “For the purposes of marketing the Greater Knysna area, we need to begin to share the magic of Knysna again with the world. The message of our previous campaign was to show the world that we were still open for business, despite the fires of 7 June 2017. Now our message is, ‘Come and experience that unique spirit that Knysna has demonstrated in rising above the trauma of the past year; the unique spirit that you will find in our scenic beauty, our people, our sunrises and sunsets’.”
Journalist Stefan Goosen reports that during the showing of the video on 5 June at the Turbine Hotel and Spa on Thesen Island, Bouwer said that the two-minute video made use of locals only, and that it contained many special things. “I don’t want you to just watch this video, but feel it,” she said before showing it to those in attendance.
Tool to ‘unify Knysna’
According to Bouwer the video concentrates on what Knysna has to offer and what there is to do. “With this video we can show these aspects to the world, which is very important for tourism,” she added. The video, she said, had “emotionally” touched her heart, which was visible when she addressed the crowd after seeing it for the first time herself that evening.
Jeannine Orzechowski, PR & marketing manager for Knysna Tourism, said the video would also be used as a marketing tool to unify Knysna. “We all have something in common,” she said. Dom Morel of 2Heads Advertising said the video captures the essence of Knysna, “a place for leisure, pleasure, health and family”. The #SpiritofKnysna campaign includes new billboards on the N2 at both entrances to Knysna, a new sign outside Knysna Tourism and new social media covers. It will be featured in all printed and online collateral, advertising and trade and consumer show exhibition stands. Postcards and bumper stickers are available from the Knysna Tourism offices at 40 Main Street, Knysna. The video is available on the Knysna Tourism website and can be shared from its YouTube channel.