The Oudtshoorn Municipality in the Western Cape is in the process of developing an economic recovery plan to try and save the Cango Caves after the national treasure suffered a huge financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The historical caves did not generate revenue during the harsh lockdown where both local and international visitors couldn’t visit.
Efforts are underway to try save one of South Africa’s national treasures, the @Cango_Caves in Oudtshoorn. Like many other tourist attractions the caves suffered huge financial loss due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Annual visitor figures have dwindled from 250K to 7,5K#sabcnews pic.twitter.com/rvGabHkKNM
— Sphiwe Hobasi (@MrCow_man) May 16, 2021
As reported by IOL, Oudtshoorn mayor Chris Macpherson confirmed that in April, a council had resolved to develop an economic recovery and turn-around strategy for the caves. Macpherson indicated the objective of their strategy is to focus on operational matters and to turn its financial position around. According to Macpherson, they are looking to make provision for school groups by lowering their tariffs.
Meanwhile, visitor figures have dropped from 250 000 annually to around 7 300, SABC reports. Tourism Deputy Minister, Fish Mahlalela visited the caves over the weekend as part of his two-day visit to the Garden Route and Klein Karoo districts.
Deputy Minister Fish Mahlalela visited the Cango Caves in Oudtshoorn, as part of his Domestic Tourism Activation Campaign. This natural wonder is world renowned for its spectacular tunnels, chambers and rock formations.#TourismBudgetVote2021#TourismRecovery#WeDoTourism pic.twitter.com/G67SZiDYRv
— Dept of Tourism (@Tourism_gov_za) May 15, 2021
Mahlalela is also expected to visit the Robben Island Museum on Thursday, May 20. His trip to the iconic destination will be preceded by his Budget Speech at Kwantu Guest House in Milnerton on Wednesday, May 19.
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Picture: Twitter/@Tourism_gov_za