Gorgeous stretches of white-sandy beaches, mesmerising blue waters and a cosy village atmosphere makes Noordhoek a winner amongst travellers and locals looking for a slower pace.
According to a recent tourism survey, all the above-mentioned features of this seaside village which make it such an exciting spot to visit has allowed it to generate around R90 million annually. Even more incredible is the fact that its tourism sector employs more than 300 previously under-resourced people from neighbouring communities, as per Good Things Guy.
While money is a happy consequence, it’s Noordhoek’s sense of community that’s truly admirable – a guiding factor that is made clear in the ‘Noordhoek Vision,’ a shared document that lists six goals created by residents. It’s the community’s guiding light with each goal built upon Noordhoek’s need to be a self-sustaining community in a self-sustaining valley, where locals support each other and help local businesses flourish.
Tourism is a major income generator for many businesses who find themselves enjoying the fresh air that this charming village has to offer with accommodation making up a large portion of local tourism.
Restaurants and retail come in at number two, while the food and beverage industry appears to be a vital employer within the family. According to the survey, approximately 91% of staff employed in the area are from under-resourced communities.
“This survey is critical as it helps us understand and grow the socio-economic drivers in the valley and gives us a good estimation of the value of Noordhoek’s tourism industry. In 2019, the Noordhoek Ratepayers Association (NRPA) conducted an equestrian economy audit highlighting the value of rural zoning and small holding-sized erven. The tourism survey complements these findings, as it exactly these aspects that create the rural space and village atmosphere which drives the tourism sector,” indicated Brad Bing, Chairperson of the NRPA.
“We hope that this will influence development in a way that respects Noordhoek’s sense of place because we can see the full value of it,” Bing concluded.
