This was confirmed during the AGM of Oudtshoorn/De Rust Tourism (formerly referred to as GOT - Greqater Oudtshoorn Tourism.) at Surval Boutique olive Estate on Tuesday.
During his chairman's report Neil Els of Turnberry Boutique Hotel voiced his satisfaction and praise for the successes of the tourism offices the last year.
"Despite an economic slump and the ostrich disaster, the tourism team did an excellent job and I am proud to say that our appointment of Joan Shaw as the new CEO of tourism was absolutely the right thing to do. She has achieved amazing results in only three months and has built on." In her absence Els also thanked the previous CEO Marita Serfontein for the work she had done for tourism in Oudtshoorn during her term. He also congratulated Oudtshoorn and De Rust tourism staff, Corleen Barnard, Glenisha Goliath and Allendine Conradie for their positive and professional service.
Although the overall picture of tourism is a positive one Els voiced his concern about the fact that the municipality had not yet paid over the amount of R450 000 which was budgeted for tourism. John Stoffesl, Speaker of Oudtshoorn Council and one of seven councillors who attended the AGM, undertook to take the matter up with the Municipal Manager to determine why there is a delay in payment.
New board members were elected for the next term which will now stretch over two years according to an amendment made to the constitution at the meeting. Shaw explained that it makes more sense to work with a team for at least two years instead of having to elect new board members every year. She shared her vision and mission for Oudtshoorn/De Rust tourism and also shared ideas and concepts which will take tourism forward.
Since her appointment three months ago she has already visited more than 90 of the 200 members of Oudtshoorn/De Rust tourism and said that it was important for her to know each tourist destination personally. "If I know each business I am in a much better position to assist tourists and businesses."
The board members who were elected are: Jacques Conradie, Ben Pretorius, Kristy Seyffert, Candy White, Kevin Pikaan, Jacques van Zijl, Pieter Schoeman, Niel Els, Barry Meijer and Lisa Burger.
Joan Shaw, tourism CEO (centre) with the newly elected tourism board members and two attending councillors. Front,from the left: Jacques Conradie, Ben Pretorius, Kristy Seyffert, Joan Shaw,Candy White and cllr Hendrik Ruiters. Back from the left: Kevin Pikaan, Jacques van Zijl, Pieter Schoeman, Niel Els, Barry Meijer, Lisa Burger and cllr Peter Roberts. Photo: Hannes Visser
