The V&A Waterfront remains one of South Africa’s most visited tourist destinations, and you’ll find foreigners wondering around at just about any time of the year.

That’s very good news for hotels that operate in the area, although a new bungee-jumping tower, approved by the City of Cape Town, might squash some of the enthusiasm ahead of the summer influx.

The City approved the plans for the 50-metre bungee-jumping tower last week, despite objections from two nearby hotels.

The Cape Grace and Victoria & Alfred hotels fear that the ” jumpers’ screams would be unbearable for their guests and the structure would be unsightly”, with this below via Time LIVE:

Cape Grace managing director Sandy Pollard said the tower – across the water in the Clock Tower Precinct – would threaten the hotel’s business.

“As you are aware, we operate a luxury five-star hotel and as such attract extremely discerning and particular clients,” she said in her objection.

“Given the location of the proposed bungee jump, our guests would be subjected to constant screaming and noise pollution, which would compromise and prejudice our business operations.”

Pollard said the structure would be unsightly and would lead to a considerable increase in Waterfront traffic.

I guess if you’re after some peace and quiet, like those renting out the exclusive penthouses and priciest hotel rooms, you might not be all that keen on a bungee jumper screaming like a banshee throughout the day.

That’s a sentiment shared by Andy Nold, the general manager of the V&A Waterfront Hotel:

…“we believe that the screeching in the daytime will be an issue”.

In his objection, he added: “We already have the buskers and general piazza noise to contend with. After the recent and substantial investment to the ground floor of this property … coupled with our premium mountain-facing rooms being directly exposed to the proposed bungee-jumping operation, we believe the introduction of this activity to [be] a risk to the business.”

With regards the screaming, the City had a simple comeback. The council that approved the plans said that only one in 20 people actually scream, and “when they do it’s not a loud scream as they almost lose their voice”.

The bungee tower is expected to take three years to complete and, once up and running, will accommodate 18 jumpers per hour.

Those taking the plunge will leap off over the water on a corner of the dock, next to the Nedbank building.

Mike Williams, a shareholder in the bungee operation, said he was unsure about whether the hotels had the right to appeal the City’s decision.

Given what’s at stake for the two hotels, you would imagine they will take up any available opportunity to contest the approved plans.

[source:timeslive]