Overstrand wildfire sparks wave of tourism cancellations

The ongoing fires in the Overstrand municipality in the Western Cape are expected to impact local tourism hard during the province’s peak holiday season.

With tourism a vital part of the regional economy, road closures and flare-ups near key resorts are forcing business owners to make tough decisions.

Firefighters in the area have been battling stubborn fires for more than a week now, leaving a trail of destruction in their path.

Some resorts in parts of the Western Cape have had to turn guests away due to flare-ups and road closures linked to the ongoing fires.

The decision comes during what is usually one of the busiest periods of the year, when coastal towns in the Overberg typically enjoy full bookings and thousands of visitors.

ALSO READ: Firefighters in the Overstrand Municipality continue to battle fires on day 8

Office manager Anje Badenhorst says the ongoing flare-up over the past three months has been a battle.

“Some of our guests left earlier this week because of the smoke, so obviously, we’re losing money because of that. We’ve also had guests not checking in. It is our high season, and usually we are fully booked at this time of year.”

Badenhorst says community efforts during temporary evacuations have helped keep the community’s spirits up while fire crews remain on firelines to protect lives and property.

ALSO READ: IN PICS: Firefighters battle raging Overberg blaze