Fedhasa says last minute bookings are expected this festive season. Picture: EPA-EFE/MIGUEL GUTIERREZ
The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa) East Coast chairperson Brett Tungay said KwaZulu-Natal looks okay, just not great, in terms of tourism as the festive season approaches.
He said the domestic economy was struggling and that is where the majority of traffic came from during the December period.
“I think there is also going to be quite a lot of late-minute bookings depending on what companies are giving in terms of bonuses this year, which will be an indicator,” he said.
Tungay said the province was currently sitting at 70% of bookings for the December holidays.
“There are huge variations in different regions, the Drakensberg is nearly full, and Durban is looking very good. The North Coast is looking very good, and the South Coast is filling up,” said Tungay.
He said Fedhasa was advocating for blue flag status on beaches in Durban and have engaged with the eThekwini municipality in terms of the openness of beaches, and water testing so that the public would be kept up to date.
Cyril Xaba, eThekwini mayor said the city was expecting approximately 1.3 million visitors, contributing to a direct spend of R2.5 billion and a GDP of R6.3 billion.
“The latest beach water quality results indicate that 19 Durban beaches are open and safe for swimming. There are also over 30 swimming pools open in various parts of the City for the public to enjoy,” he said.
Xaba said 500 new metro police officers would be deployed to enhance visibility both on the road and in the communities.
He said for easy identification of children on the beaches, 200,000 armbands have been procured. Seven tents would be erected along the beachfront to accommodate children who get separated from their parents.
“We have also secured an overnight facility for such children,” said Xaba.
Provincial commissioner of the South African Police Service, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said 471 new constables would join the force and be deployed at strategic areas of the province.
“With these added human resources we are ready to safeguard all people in the province and their property,” he said.
Mkhwanazi warned and said there was no room for lawlessness, therefore visitors who come to KZN must ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy and have registration plates affixed on them, both front and rear.
“Those with legal firearms must always have their valid licences. Drinking and driving is a crime and is punishable by law. Our police officers will not have time to negotiate at roadblocks or vehicle checkpoints, but will be there to enforce the law as mandated by the Constitution,” warned Mkhwanazi.