IT is estimated that approximately 4,5 million people visit the Cape Peninsula National Park (CPNP) every year, of which about 800 000 visit Cape Point.
To support these preliminary stats, the CPNP has launched "one of the most comprehensive visitor surveys ever conducted", according to James Jackleman, CPNP's manager of research and information systems.
He says the survey results, to be completed at the end of June, will have a major impact on the planning and provision of the range and scale of facilities and services.
Jeanette de la Harpe, survey conductor, explains that visitors are counted at four pay points of entry, plus 59 points where field assistants are stationed.
"Detailed observations are made by counters at the site, where informal interviews with visitors record their suggestions, likes and dislikes about the park."
According to de la Harpe, visitors have so far been generally complimentary with most complaints relating to poor signage, parking problems, litter, alien vegetation, the need to improve footpaths and increased environmental education.
(Adele Mackenzie)
