While several of Hermanus’ major hotels reported strong occupancy during the weekend’s annual Whale Festival, accommodation-sector feedback paints a more mixed picture.
Concerns range from parking, noise, and litter to whether the event is attracting a broad enough market.
Trevor Edwards of the Hermanus Business Chamber’s CBD Revitalisation Cluster gathered the feedback by canvassing the hospitality sector on occupancy levels and guests' experiences.
There was broad agreement that valuable feedback would shape future events, with sentiments suggesting the festival was due for a revamp.
The Marine Hotel was fully booked, mainly with overseas visitors, according to manager Melissa Theron. However, she said festival-goers using the hotel’s landscaped lawn for picnics may have detracted from the expected experience of premium guests.
Harbour House was also fully booked on Saturday. Host manager Kevin Masson identified parking as a problem, with festival visitors occupying spaces intended for hotel guests.
Birkenhead House reported high occupancy, largely from international visitors, but general manager Shane Brummer said the festival itself had little influence on bookings. Guest feedback was mixed. Some reported that the festival catered to a particular market and was not sufficiently inclusive.
Windsor Hotel general manager Leoni McFarlane raised several broader concerns, including a lack of bus parking, which affected tour groups and potentially the businesses they would otherwise support.
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Noise and litter were also issues. Music could be heard well beyond the festival area, while strong winds reportedly spread litter into surrounding streets. Public bins were reportedly overflowing by mid-morning.
Restaurant trade appeared inconsistent. Some establishments were allegedly quieter than last year, while hotel staff struggled to secure dinner reservations because restaurants were said to be fully booked.
Contradictory reports of empty restaurants also circulated on tourism groups.
McFarlane also raised concerns about vagrants and “questionable individuals” near the hotel’s rear entrance.
The feedback suggests that while the festival attracts visitors and boosts occupancy at some hotels, its broader economic impact and effect on the visitor experience warrant closer examination.
Overstrand Acting Municipal Manager Edward Jantjies praised the festival for showcasing Hermanus’ whale-watching reputation and its diverse programme across the town.
He highlighted events in Sandbaai, Grotto Beach, Zwelihle and Mount Pleasant, along with the Eco Marine Tent and conservation talks. Jantjies thanked the festival committee, municipal teams and cleaning crews for their efforts, saying each festival provides valuable lessons and opportunities for improvement.
Edwards thanked those who participated in the feedback exercise, concluding: “Definitely need a new way forward.”
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