By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
KwaZulu-Natal premier Sihle Zikalala said the province’s tourism sector had performed exceptionally well despite the challenges presented by Covid-19.
The effects are felt especially during the festive season, which in 2021 and 2022 escaped harsh lockdown restrictions, contributing to a positive increase in tourism spending and visitor numbers.
During a media briefing on Saturday, Zikalala relayed some much-needed positive information on preliminary tourism and economic impact indicators, and committed to the province looking at overcoming setbacks imposed by Covid-19.
Zikalala said despite the tourism industry still hurting, positive signs have been seen over the past few weeks in the province.
On Christmas weekend alone, some parts of the province recorded hotel occupancy rates at over 80%, notably in the Durban and iLembe regions.
Zikalala commended the South African tourism sector for its resilience, especially while it remained on the UK’s travel red list.
The World Travel and Tourism Council estimated that the South African economy lost around R790 million every month in visitor spend while southern Africa was on the red list.
The Tourism Business Council of South Africa said it estimated the country lost about R26 million a day during the previous red listing, with the most recent travel ban threatening to be more devastating.
Zikalala said estimates indicate occupancy rates averaged around 65% across KZN during the festive season, with final festive figures yet to be tallied.
It is projected the province will reach an occupancy rate of 70%.
Based on this, it is also projected that the 2021/22 festive season’s economic impact comes to the value of R1.5 billion.