The Stutterheim tourism industry received a major boost last week with millions of rands pumped into the Amahlathi Tourism Association and the Manderson Hotel opening its second conference centre in three years.

According to managing director of the Manderson Hotel Michael Newbold, the new conference centre, which has capacity to accommodate 80 people, is driven by a growing client base as well as a large demand for conferencing facilities in the mountain town.

“We’ve been booked for October, November and December since we completed the building of Amahlathi Conference Centre,” he said.

“Over the last few years, we’ve had to convert some of our rooms for conferences.

“Our business clientele is growing; 70% of our business comes from business people and 22% is from leisure visitors of Dutch and German origin,” said Newbold.

He co-owns the hotel with his sister, Geri Wright, and his wife, Ingrid Newbold.

The hands-on trio have vast experience in some of the world’s finest hospitality establishments.

The new building that complements the existing structures, erected on the gentle slopes of the estate, is an addition to the Manderson’s Amathole Conference Centre, which accommodates 30 people.

Manderson director Ingrid Newbold said the hotel had been expanding continuously since they bought it in the mid-1990s.

According to Ingrid, the German history in the Stutterheim area is the main attraction for international travellers.

“This area is particularly suitable for conferences because you can get the full attention of those attending.

“There is no beach or shopping mall here.

“Stutterheim was the original German settlement; the first Xhosa bible was translated in Bethal mission here.

“We also have hiking trails and the beautiful mountain for those who want to get away from the coast,” said Ingrid.

There are scenic views of the mountain from the estate.

The R4.5 million financial boost to the Amahlathi Tourism Association (ATA) from the European Economic Community (EEC) is viewed as a catalyst that will lead to further growth of the Stutterheim tourism industry as spin-offs will lead to growth in demand for hospitality establishments. Said ATA chairperson Chandre Mammes: “We want Stutterheim to grow and expand as a tourist destination through a community-based skills development initiative.

“We have partnered with the municipality to use the mountain, the dam and the forest to attract tourism ... to accentuate Stutterheim’s position as a forest, adventure and cultural gateway within the Eastern Cape and in South Africa.

“The influx of tourism into the area will be of benefit to B&Bs and hotels here.”

Mammes said the money from the EEC would be used to equip previously disadvantaged people with skills and money had been set aside for marketing.

Through the Tyelela Meander Project, the Stutterheim area will be linked to the other tourism sights in Hogsback, Cathcart and Queenstown.

Marketing of the Thunga route on the Wild Coast will be linked to the Tyelela Meander project. - By SIYA MITI