Wedding bells to ring for Plett
PLETTENBERG BAY - Plett and surrounds will be represented at one of the biggest tourism events in the world in an effort to draw international visitors to the area.
Flying the area's flag at the World Travel Market (WTM) in London early next month will be Plett Tourism's newly appointed international wedding tourism ambassador, Jana Goodman, who has been a highly successful local wedding and events coordinator for more than a decade.
Goodman said the initiative aims to stimulate international tourism - an economic driver for small coastal holiday towns - after the beating the industry took due to the Covd-19 pandemic. She explained that, according to the latest statistics for Plettenberg Bay, about 70% of the tourism industry before the pandemic was attributed to international visitors and 30% local. This has changed to the complete inverse, with only 30% of the sector being international.
Ultimate wedding destination
"The potential is massive. We [the area] have everything a visitor can want, especially for events such as weddings," Goodman said. That is why the focus of exhibiting at WTM will be to show the world that Plett is the ultimate, world-class wedding destination. "We can offer the best there is. We have stunning beaches, forests, wildlife, vineyards and diversity."
She said the currency exchange also counts in the area's favour. "The average couple spent about £50 000 on a wedding that would be far from lavish. That is more than R1-million. At that cost a couple can enjoy the most lavish wedding imaginable in the Garden Route, bring all their guests here and have change to spare."
In addition, this would not be a once-off spend for the couple and guests, as the area's hospitality and beauty would likely ensure they return for future holidays. "That is why showcasing the Garden Route on a world stage is so important. At the end of the day it will benefit everyone."
The WTM sees about 51 000 attendees and 5 000 exhibitors with about £2,8 billion in business generated.
Over and above the WTM, Goodman has also been building connections in France, Spain and Dubai.
Local support crucial
However, she stressed that the initiative, which is an expensive exercise, needs the support of local business - from venues, restaurants and accommodation establishments to photographers, florists, bridal shops, amenities and chefs and caterers. "This is the premier location where travel professionals come together to connect and hear about how leading companies and destinations have reshaped trends in travel and trade," Goodman elaborated.
"It is the premier opportunity for international travel providers to do business with world-class travel buyers, as well as to showcase their services to the international press. There will be skills development programmes, internships and more. This has to be a collective community project to uplift the local workforce, create employment and opportunities, and boost the overall tourism, hospitality and events industry which is the lifeblood of Plettenberg Bay."
To become involved or for more information, visit https://confeti.co.za/wtmlondon/