Wesgro announces new advisory board
In its latest quarterly report to Knysna Municipality, Wesgro announced a new tourism advisory board and new marketing strategies for Knysna.The report was submitted to the municipality’s governance and economic development Section 80 meeting held on 9 October. Municipal manager Dr Sitembele Vatala said it is encouraging to see the efforts made by the organisation for the period May to September. “Wesgro’s efforts to promote our area are definitely working towards strengthening tourism as a source of revenue.”
Advisory board and other stakeholders
One of the highlights from the report was the new tourism advisory board, which is representative of various tourism influencers from both Knysna and Sedgefield. The board now consists of:
Colleen Durant, appointed as Visit Knysna general manager.
Corne Koch, Wesgro acting chief marketing officer.
Elmay Bouwer and Martin Hansson from the Business Forum NPO (former Tourism).
Petrus van Niekerk, Knysna Municipality manager: economic development.
Colleen
Harding, Knysna Accommodation Association (KAA)/ Explore Knysna.
Mawanda Yengwa, Yengwa Tours. Ella Mahlulo, Emzini Tours. Michelle Lencoe, Lithemba Crafts & Tours.
Lyle Katzen, Afrovibe/Island Vibe/The Russel Hotel.
Visit Knysna continues to work closely with the Business Forum, KAA and other stakeholders like tour guides and SA National Parks. The organisation also communicates updates on industry happenings, upcoming events and other relevant information with all stakeholders via regular newsletters.
Marketing strategies
The report further identified four core, niche markets and stated that they will continue to promote them. These are:
Eco-adventure, sport and leisure. Events and festivals. Community, culture and heritage. Wellness, health and fitness.
The possibility of positioning “selfie” frames at strategic locations within Greater Knysna is also being discussed with the relevant departments within the municipality. These will allow tourists to actively, albeit unintentionally, market the destination via photos posted on their social media platforms.
After meetings with local tourism organisations (LTOs), it was decided that the Garden Route area will be exhibited at the Wesgro Western Cape stand at the World Travel Market Africa 2020. The events calendar remains a priority focus area for coordination and promotion through the Visit Knysna marketing channels. The event boards at both Knysna’s entrances have been upgraded, allowing for the continuous promotion of upcoming events. This format has also been incorporated in the framework of Sedgefield’s billboards.
Tourism Month in September
The “Discover our World” campaign encouraged locals and visitors to follow clues on cards to discover various locations within the Greater Knysna area. Participants were challenged to take a selfie at 10 of the 18 venues, post it on social media and tag Visit Knysna.
Sedgefield information hub
Fijnbosch Coffee Shop in Sedgefield’s Main Road has been appointed as that area’s information location. An initial service level agreement has been signed for a period of one year, with the option to renew.
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“Wesgro’s efforts to promote our area are definitely working towards strengthening tourism as a source of revenue.”