It was smiles and selfies at the Mayoral Roadblock as Executive Mayor of Bitou, Dave Swart, and Garden Route District Mayor, Ald. Memory Booysen welcomed visitors to the scenic Garden Route.

The pair had combined resources with key stakeholders and role-players in tourism, safety, and transport to greet guests at the entrance to Plettenberg Bay, N2, on Saturday, 16 December 2023.

They handed out goody bags, stacked with useful information on things to do from Plettenberg Bay, Knysna and as well as the rest of the Garden Route and Klein Karoo.

One highlight of the day was the Garden Route and Klein Karoo Tourism Unit's contribution of maps, safety information, bookmarks, locally produced rusks, and honey.

Plett Tourism also contributed with the local magazine, Time Magazine while Bitou included its December edition of Bitou Times. 

Speaking on the holiday safety awareness program to welcome visitors Bitou’s Swart said it was important to display readiness for the festive season and provide useful information to guests.

To the law enforcement officials present Mayor Swart said: “These people we stopped today are going to remember this stop here, more than they are going to remember their holiday and they will have good things to say about Plettenberg Bay.”

Councillor Swart thanked the officials further for their continued efforts at keeping residents and visitors safe.
Mayor Booysen who has previously had the roadblocks in other Garden Route towns agreed with Mayor Swart.

He said: “The people we spoke to from other provinces say that this is a new experience for them.
He implored that the team must keep up the good work throughout the season and the year so that they can have good things to say about this region.

Further, he said: “We will be doing more of these throughout the year.”