Plett Tourism launches a Township Tourism Survey: Empowering Communities for Positive Change
“We are excited to announce the launch of this new local survey designed to gather valuable information about our township tourism businesses. Participation is crucial in helping us understand the needs, priorities, and inspirations for our community’s future,” says Patty Butterworth, CEO Plett Tourism.
As local Plett communities evolve and face new challenges, the importance of effective tourism projects and quality assurance from local government becomes increasingly evident. As the officially recognised tourism authority for Plettenberg Bay working together with the Bitou Municipality, the Plett Tourism Association often turns to various tools to gather valuable information, thus the launch of a local township tourism survey to identify the diverse needs of township tourism businesses.
The survey will serve as a vital tool for gathering insights directly from the tourism community. It provides an avenue for individuals to voice their opinions, concerns, and suggestions regarding tourism in their community, ranging from public services and infrastructure to individual initiatives. By leveraging the input gathered through such surveys, Plett Tourism can make informed decisions that better align with the priorities and preferences of the communities.
The initiation of a local township tourism survey marks a proactive step towards fostering community engagement and participation in the governance process.
Plett Tourism has contracted local resident Sihle Ntsatha to assist with the project management and administration of the new survey. The ‘Township Tourism Survey’ project launched on the 29th of January and will be completed on the 29th of February 2024. She will be conducting research, scheduling time to meet with township tourism business owners in each Ward at designated community locations and will be overseeing the administrative process required to record the information.
All personal details collected during the research will remain confidential as per the POPI Act. General information will be used to assist the Plett Tourism Association with a township tourism strategy going forward and will provide valuable information about different ward priorities in the tourism sector.
The launch of a local township tourism survey represents a proactive approach to inclusive tourism and community empowerment. By soliciting input directly from residents and businesspeople, the Plett Tourism Association can gain valuable insights and foster a sense of ownership and belonging among industry members. Through careful planning and engagement, local surveys can serve as a powerful tool for driving positive change and building stronger, more resilient communities.
The Plett Tourism Association would like to thank the township communities in advance for their participation and commitment to the growth and well-being in Bitou. Together, Bitou can work towards building a brighter future.
ABOUT THE PLETT TOURISM ASSOCIATION
The Plett Tourism Association is a non-profit association that drives tourism for Plettenberg Bay for its members and for the Bitou Municipality. Tourism is arguably the largest industry in Bitou and one of the flagships along the Garden Route in the Western Cape of South Africa. Plett Tourism is a partnership of the hospitality community and the local municipality that aims to drive business growth through compelling marketing and targeted initiatives that maximise the benefits of tourism to its guests, members and the community.
