One year after the Knysna fires in the Western Cape, Knysna Tourism has launched its new destination marketing campaign, #SpiritofKnysna.

Part of the campaign includes a two-minute destination video that was filmed in Knysna and Sedgefield, showcasing the lagoon, forest and beaches.

Knysna Tourism Chairperson, Elmay Bouwer says the campaign is the next major step after the #KnysnaRises campaign, which was launched a week after the fires broke out last year.

“For the purposes of marketing the Greater Knysna area, we need to begin to share the magic of Knysna again with the world. The message of our previous campaign was to show the world that we were still open for business, despite the fires of June 7, 2017. Now our message is, come and experience that unique spirit that Knysna has demonstrated in rising above the trauma of the past year; the unique spirit that you will find in our scenic beauty, our people, our sunrises and sunsets,” says Bouwer.

Funds for the video were made available by Wesgro, who gave Knynsa Tourism R100 000 (€6 416) to market the town following the fires of June last year.

The video was produced by local filmmaker, Daron Chatz using local personalities and models from Ace Models. The original soundtrack was written and recorded by local musician, Tigger Reunert.

The #SpiritofKnysna campaign includes new billboards on the N2 at both entrances to Knysna, a new sign outside Knysna Tourism and new social media covers. It will be featured in all printed and online collateral, advertising and trade and consumer show exhibition stands. Postcards and bumper stickers are available from the Knysna Tourism offices at 40 Main Street, Knysna.