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George Municipality said the Garden Route city was ready for the influx of visitors with accommodation bookings reflecting a six percent increase for the next six months.
"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%," the Municipality said in a statement on Tuesday.
This figure is also expected to rise further when direct and trade books are taken into consideration.
The municipality believes that the surge in bookings can be attributed to its world-class golf courses, Blue-Flag status beaches and surf breaks, abundant adventure activities, scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, strawberry picking, and enchanting train rides through breathtaking landscapes.
It also launched its unique new tourism brand: “George, naturally”.
According to the tourism manager for George, Wilderness, and Uniondale, Joan Shaw, this season’s strong occupancy figures reflect the city’s growing reputation.
"Our new brand speaks to the heart of what makes George special. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil escape or an action-packed adventure, George is, naturally, the place to be," she said.
Meanwhile, to ensure its readiness, George Municipality has established a festive season monitoring committee which already started preparing for the festive season in October.
It includes municipal departments, SAPS, SANParks, the NSRI, and lifeguard teams which will be operational from 1 December to 31 January, with extended hours during peak holiday weeks.
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.
"This season’s strong occupancy figures reflect the city’s growing reputation, and we are ready to welcome visitors with open arms,” Shaw said.
