The Wilderness Residents and Ratepayers Association (WRRA) is diligently compiling an improvement programme for this popular tourist town.

Pieter Naudé, WRRA representative for Business & Economics told the George Herald that the need to intervene and establish an Improvement Programme (IP) for Wilderness was identified by the WRRA to address the ongoing degradation of the village and surrounding public spaces.

"The degradation that has occurred over the past 10 years has had a negative impact on tourism and the economy of Wilderness. We believe that Wilderness is the crown jewel in the greater George tourism crown. The main business of Wilderness - almost 80% - is tourism, the backbone of the town's economy and job creation."

Naudé added that whatever improvements are made in support of tourism will directly and indirectly benefit the residents and ratepayers of Wilderness. "The Wilderness economy is a major contributor to the George economy and any improvements in support of tourism will also benefit George."