Based on the phenomenal response which we have received on Issue No.1, GRI has achieved both its initial and ongoing objective of providing relevant information to all potential investors in the region, whether local, from overseas or all those already living here. We sincerely thank all our advertisers and guest writers for their tremendous support.

Much feedback came in on the subject of 'Medical Tourism', most noteably that for certain procedures non SA Residents can be charged up to 3 times as much as local residents. If the Garden Route and SA as a whole is to have a future in 'Medical Tourism', then surely this pricing strategy has to be reviewed, before the 'Tourist' feels that he or she is being unfairly taken advantage of (even though this may still be cheaper and the actual operation more quickly undertaken than would be the case overseas). On contacting a Private Hospital I was informed that there is indeed specific higher pricing for non SA residents, but that this is common practice amongst the majority of all Private Hospitals. We shall investigate this in detail and report back on the reasoning for this in our next issue.

The networking of businesses and stakeholders towards a common goal is proving highly successful along the Garden Route. This is happening all over to a certain degree, but two key examples are Mossel Bay and George. Mossel Bay, which was half asleep for a number of years, has recently woken up to the opportunities and is rapidly establishing itself on the map. The interactive networking of diverse businesses, the Municipality, the Tourism Bureau and other interested parties, has added tremendous value to the area. The Municipality is financially strong, Tourism is booming, and the area is attracting Property Developers in their droves. By the setting up of a local 'Brains Trust', all parties are working together towards the common enrichment of Mossel Bay and the surrounding environment, yet retain their respective business independence and competitiveness. This practice may be implemented elsewhere, but to what extent is there the necessary level of cooperation?

George is quickly becoming the centre of 'Biotechnology'(the application of life sciences and technologies to the production of useful goods and services). Here major efforts are taking place to both develop and shape the necessary networking process with all the relevant stakeholders. This process will then allow the critical mass in the region to grow, lead to a host of new start-up business opportunities and ultimately attract greater human and financial investment, thus improving the local socio-economic situation as a whole.

The property boom still continues on the Garden Route, but for how long can it be sustained? Prices are skyrocketing due to low stocks and high demand both from local and overseas potential purchasers, but also due to the greed of certain sellers who escalate their prices at will, and by the unethical tactics of certain estate agents who attempt to secure sole mandates by offering higher, unrealistic, yet tempting selling prices.

Hopefully this situation will sort itself out, as generally in my experience people who can spend R800 000 or more on a property are generally not stupid, and will do sufficient homework before committing to overinflated prices.

Enjoy GRI Issue 2, and we look forward to your letters, comments or any information which you may wish to share with us.