MAINLY used as a stopover by tourists on their way to Cape Town or the Eastern Cape, the little Karoo town of Nieu Bethesda (population 1 000) is reportedly increasing in popularity as a destination in its own right, which is why an Accommodation Booking Agency was launched earlier this month.
Mark Wilby, who launched the agency, explains that since the town does not have an information office, his Ibis Art Centre often fielded calls and assisted visitors looking for information ranging from sightseeing tips to accommodation.
"With the added increase in visitors and a growing interest in the town, we decided to establish the agency, together with a website and information brochure."
Located close to Graaff Reinet, just off the N9 highway, the town is renowned for artist, Helen Martins' 'Owl House', where she spent most of her life living in isolation after the townspeople had branded her as "mad".
Today, Nieu Bethesda has 12 guest houses - more than half of which can be booked through the booking agency - and three restaurants.
(Adele Mackenzie)
