Tiffanys Beach, Salt Rock, Kwazulu-Natal. Image via Adobe Stock
Tourism boost for KZN as visitors flock to hotels and lodges
Kwazulu-Natal tourism establishments were almost at full capacity at the weekend hinting at a return to normalcy for the sector.
Tiffanys Beach, Salt Rock, Kwazulu-Natal. Image via Adobe Stock
KwaZulu-Natal hotels and guest houses reported a welcome economic boost with many tourism establishments recording almost full capacity over the recent long weekend after a long dry spell of poor business during harder lockdown periods
“It’s an absolute boon for us. We have a hard last three months so this is a God send for us and we are looking to carry on these good numbers going into the school holidays next week. There is a positive outlook for the industry, we just hope it keeps and carries on the summer season,” Tungay said.
eThekwini Municipality said in as statement that the city had received a much needed economic boost over the weekend. The city recorded a 60 percent average occupancy rate over the weekend and 95 percent of accommodation was fully booked on Friday and Saturday nights. This translated to 82 000 visitor arrivals and direct spend of R107 million, contributing R265 million to the KZN GDP and creating approximately 570 temporary and long-term job opportunities, the municipality reported.
eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said this sent a clear message that Durban was the country’s playground and that it was safe to travel and explore.
“This gives us hope that the industry is recovering. It is a sure sign that we are beginning to return to some sense of normalcy in the tourism sector after many challenges including Covid-19 and the civil unrests in July. As we head towards the festive season, we are reviving the intra-provincial activations and will provide entertainment along the beachfront during school holidays,” Kaunda said.
One of the City’s current destination promotion initiatives is the My City, My Heritage campaign which involves activities being rolled out in September. The campaign showcases key tourist attractions in the City and encourages locals to rediscover their own city.
Meanwhile, the City is preparing to host focus group consultations with members of the tourism trade. This will allow them to provide input to the visitor marketing strategy which is currently being reviewed. The review aims to find new strategies to market the city.
