OUDTSHOORN NEWS - Oudtshoorn Municipality is ecstatic about the large increase in visitors to the Cango Caves in 2017.
In spite of the weakening of the rand and the increase in petrol prices, there were about 270 061 visitors to the Caves in 2017 as opposed to 265 563 visitors ten years ago in 2007 and 241 587 in December 2016.
The Caves' visitor numbers comprises not only of foreign tourists, but also of local tourists from all over South Africa.
Of the 270 061 visitors in 2017, 162 922 were foreign and the rest were local.
As in December 2017, local visitors 'numbers were 19 522, in contrast to the foreign visitors' number of 11 443.
"We can attribute this to a greater financial boost in terms of marketing - we are more" visible "than ever before," says Alison Moos, Operations Manager of the Cango Caves.
Moos says marketing is a strategic collaboration between the Cango Caves and Oudtshoorn Tourism Bureau.
She says, to a lesser extent, it can also be attributed to the weaker rand.
"The results of these marketing efforts have only been realized after three or so years of hard work.
"It takes time for the different sellers to change their packages and then sell them.
"So what we see now is the result of a more robust marketing that has been done over the last few years, and our prospect is more good years.
"Tourism is also quite volatile and any change in global political sphere, climate patterns and even natural disasters can affect visitor numbers. "
A large stalagmite can be seen on the right hand side.
The Cango Caves are 27km outside Oudtshoorn, located at the foot of the Swartberg Mountain.
It is a "breathtaking underground wonder", as described by many tourists, where drip stone formation is formed (stalactites and stalagmites) in different size rooms / halls.
It is the largest exhibition cave in Africa offering a choice of Heritage or Adventure tours with a 1.2 km tourist trail, although the caves are 5.3km long.
All tours are guided by experienced, knowledgeable and accredited guides and are offered in English, but Dutch, German and Xhosa tours are also available only through prior booking and confirmation by the ticket office.
The number of bookings has also increased, due to constant requests, through social media and other channels in relation to bookings.
For this reason, many more visitors can be accommodated at the same time.
Pre-planning allows visitors and cave staff to structure their day more efficiently, and waiting periods are shorter.
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