ONE of the problems facing the smaller coastal towns over the winter months is the tourist drought.

Whereas during the warm summer days holidaymakers flock to the beaches for some well-earned rest and recreation - and pump in some much-needed money into the local economy - in winter that source of revenue dries up.

Restaurants and hotels are often forced to work with skeleton staff, with casuals brought in as and when required.

Over recent years the Southern Cape coastal town of Knysna has experienced this scenario on a regular basis but has gone about rectifying the situation.

Hardly a month goes by now without a festival of some sort taking place in the pretty town.

April saw an influx of 30,000 visitors for the annual Pink Loerie Mardi Gras, where the gay community gather for five days of rollicking fun. May saw the annual Knysna Hill Climb - a motorsport event stretched over 10 days that attracts thousands of local and overseas petrolheads.

But, by far the biggest event on a busy social calendar for Knysna is the annual Oyster Festival.

Celebrating its 29th year, the festival takes place between July 6-15.

At a recent media launch of the event, organiser Nicci Roufseau-Schmidt explained the importance of the festival. "Last year we had an influx of 60,000 at the festival and we are expecting roughly the same number of people this time round."

Among the events lined up for the 10 days of festivities is the Knysna Marathon, a cycle race, wine and whiskey tasting and plenty of live music. And of course the oysters! "This year we have ordered 200,000 oysters from many sources around the country including Port Elizabeth and the West Coast," Roufseau-Schmidt added.

Away from the festival, Knysna is full of fun activities and things to do.

The waterfront is a popular hangout for visitors and locals alike, who are attracted by the wide selection of fine restaurants and bars.

Cross over to Thesen Island and for just R160 you can take a boat trip to the Knysna Heads.

The houses and boutique hotels that precariously hang from the surrounding cliffs gives one an insight into just how the other half get to spend their time.

If there is one thing Knysna has going for it - besides its incredible natural beauty - is the people.

Wherever you go, everyone is incredibly helpful and enthusiastic about what they do. Which is a pleasant change to some of the more established holiday destinations we have in this beautiful country.