Bonne Esperance (Good Hope) in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic

It cannot be overstated how difficult this time is for the Stellenbosch tourism community, for the industry that is grinding to a halt, for our staff, for our businesses, and for each of us as individuals. We will look back upon this period as a defining time for our era. And at Bonne Esperance Guest House, we are treating this situation with the gravity that it demands.

The travel industry is experiencing the greatest reduction in business in our lifetimes. We watch with concern as all over the world countries shut their borders, ground their airline fleets and urge people to remain in place. Most of all, we are heartbroken for the illness and loss of life, and we stand in solidarity with those in our communities working on the front lines in healthcare.

There will be a time to rebuild businesses and industries. Right now, the human impact is what matters. Our first concern at Bonne Esperance Guest House is to ensure the physical, mental and emotional well-being of our team members, guests and friends in the industry, and our loved ones. I’m so grateful that our team is well equipped to support one another.

It is tempting – and very human – to yearn to return to business as usual as quickly as possible. But a return to normal isn’t realistic. We have only just begun this journey. The pandemic has changed the world, but, given the opportunity, I will always bet on human endeavour. The world will recover. Travel and tourism will reinvent itself, but the future may look drastically different. We hope that will each have the chance to create a much better place.

Today is too soon, but when the time is right, we’ll share our perspective on this crisis and our approach in managing our most severe challenge. Take care of yourself and those around you. Take time to connect with family and friends, and find comfort in what is most important.