George Records Strong Festive Season Tourism Figures

The Garden Route town of George celebrated a busy festive season with vibrant events, increased visitor engagement and significant revenue growth across its tourism sector.

From December 11 to January 12, the city recorded R51.7 million 2 652 210 in revenue, reflecting 28 year-on-year growth, according to aggregated data from leading online travel agent platforms.

The George, Wilderness and Uniondale visitor information centres extended their hours and assisted over 272 visitors with activity bookings, accommodation queries and brochures. Tourism activations were held every Saturday at the Outeniqua Family Market and at key events, including the WeBuyCars George Tens and Redberry Farm, offering promotional materials and interactive activities.

The Outeniqua Powervan, with unprecedented demand, added trips to accommodate early bookings. The Wilderness section of the Garden Route National Park also recorded high visitor numbers likely surpassing pre-pandemic figures.

The average occupancy rate for the period was 71, peaking at 88 on December 28. Average daily rates rose to R2537.70 130.18 a 32 increase from the previous year. December revenue totalled R51.7 million 2 652 210 with 6 086 check-ins 897 more than the previous year.