HOEDSPRUIT – Recent floods have severely disrupted air and road access to Hoedspruit, leading to a sharp decline in international tourist arrivals and placing significant financial pressure on local hospitality businesses.

Maruleng Mayor Tsheko Musolwa said the extreme weather has raised alarm among overseas markets, with some travellers perceiving the area as unsafe, despite minimal direct damage to tourism facilities.

“The alarm it has raised, particularly in the international market, is worrying,” Musolwa told French journalist Valentine Hugues from Le Monde. “Tourists are simply not coming, and that affects the entire local economy.”

Tourism operators have expressed concern that prolonged low visitor numbers could jeopardise their ability to meet financial obligations.

Many rely heavily on international arrivals, and a sustained decline could have ripple effects on employment and small businesses in the region.

Following the heavy rains, Eastgate Airport experienced operational disruptions for three consecutive days, preventing aircraft from landing and leaving some travellers stranded.

While smaller aircraft could use alternative runways, larger planes require the main runway, which sustained flood damage along its 4.5km stretch.

In addition, the airport’s Instrument Landing System (ILS), crucial for assisting pilots during low-visibility conditions, was compromised by the floods. The combination of runway repairs and the damaged navigation system contributed to widespread flight disruptions.

Musolwa confirmed that repairs to the runway are nearly complete and that full airport operations are expected to resume soon. “We are working around the clock to ensure that operations resume fully and that we do not experience this level of inconvenience again,” he said.

Despite Hoedspruit itself experiencing relatively limited structural damage compared to other flood-affected regions, the restrictions on road and air access have caused immediate economic consequences.

Hotels, lodges, and tour operators are reporting cancellations and a noticeable drop in bookings, affecting both revenue and staff.

“The economic spin-offs of tourism are suffering as a result of the inability of tourists to access the area,” Musolwa said.

He said municipal leadership remains optimistic that ongoing repairs and infrastructure restoration will stabilise the situation and that with coordinated efforts between airport authorities, road maintenance teams, and local government, Hoedspruit wants to reassure visitors that the region remains a safe and attractive destination for international tourists.