Bookings boom in George over festive season

GEORGE NEWS - George is set to shine this summer with its unique new tourism brand: “George, naturally”. This catchy slogan aligns perfectly with the city’s growing popularity as a premier destination.

Accommodation bookings reflect a 6% increase in average occupancy for the next six months, signalling an upswing in demand.

More than 15,000 room nights have already been booked for December alone, with peak arrivals expected on December 27 and 28, when online travel agent booking platforms show occupancy rates are already at an impressive 79%.

Considering the contribution of direct and trade bookings, this figure is set to rise further, underscoring the city’s position as a sought-after tourism hotspot.

The surge in bookings is attributed to George’s unbeatable offerings, which include world-class golf courses, gorgeous Blue-Flag beaches and thrilling surf breaks, abundant adventure activities, scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, strawberry picking, and enchanting train rides through breathtaking landscapes. The city’s accessibility through the George Airport further solidifies its status as a premier hub for both domestic and international visitors.

Wilderness coastline

Events that cater to every interest:

Bush Lapa Music Festival (06 to 30 December 2024): A vibrant festival bringing top South African artists to Herolds Bay for a weekend of live music, food, and community fun.
Christmas Markets: Enjoy festive shopping and treats at popular popup markets like the Boerevintage Gift Market (14 December to 04 January), the Market at the Transnet Transport Museum (13 December to 05 January), and the Outeniqua Christmas Market (09 to 21 December). The popular year-round Outeniqua Family Market continues Saturdays.
WeBuyCars George TENS (13 - 19 December): A thrilling weekend of sport, fitness, and family-friendly fun, featuring rugby, netball, and ‘touchies’ tournaments along with live entertainment.
FINOVO Jakkalberry Extreme MTB Race (14 December): A challenging and scenic race through the breathtaking Outeniqua Mountains, perfect for cycling and adventure enthusiasts.
Fancourt Summer Concerts (15 December to 06 January): Enjoy world-class performances in the picturesque surroundings of Fancourt, offering an unforgettable blend of music and luxury.
Carols by Candlelight: Sing along to beloved carols under the stars at Redberry Farm (19 December) and the Garden Route Botanical Garden (06 December) – a magical experience for all ages.

Well-prepared for peak season

A multi-stakeholder committee comprising of several municipal departments, the police, SANParks, NSRI, and lifeguard teams will hold daily operational meetings starting 1 December to oversee critical areas such as beach safety, parking, water quality, municipal services and more.

Herold's Bay

These collaborative efforts aim to ensure a secure, seamless, and enjoyable experience for both visitors and locals during the peak season.

Lifeguard services will operate daily across key beaches from 1 December to 31 January, with extended hours during peak holiday weeks. Innovative Drop-and-Go systems at Victoria Bay, Herold’s Bay, and Wilderness aim to streamline traffic and prevent congestion.

An additional 30 traffic officers will be deployed to busy intersections, shopping malls, and beach access points, further demonstrating the municipality’s commitment to smooth operations and visitor satisfaction.

Tourism Manager Joan Shaw shared her enthusiasm: "Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape or an action-packed adventure, George is, naturally, the place to be. This season’s strong occupancy figures reflect the city’s growing reputation, and we are ready to welcome visitors with open arms."

Victoria Bay