Reopening the door to Whale Coast hospitality

Writer: Elaine Davie.

The world over, South Africans are known for their friendliness and hospitality. And certainly in the Overstrand, these characteristics have been developed to a fine art; in fact, the livelihoods of many have been built around this welcoming attitude, as much as the area’s natural beauty, superior wines and food, and the bounty of its ocean. Which is why visitors, whether foreign or local, keep coming back.

That is, until COVID-19 intervened and within a matter of a few days put paid to an entire industry. From grand hotels to cosy B&Bs and modest backpacker lodges, every door was locked and every blind drawn down.

From amongst the 256 accommodation establishments in operation from Rooiels to Pearly Beach, we decided to take a snapshot of just three, very different from one another, but all located in Hermanus. Our aim was to gauge the effect that the lockdown has had on them and how they feel about the future.

Click below to read more. (The full article can be found on page 2)