Stats confirm bumper festive season as iLembe generates R778-million in GDP

While false perceptions that North Coast beaches also suffered from E. coli contaminated waters similar to Durban initially had holidaymakers concerned, statistics show such fears were short-lived.

According to Enterprise iLembe CEO, Linda Mncube, data gathered from local hospitality and tourism operators indicated the number of holidaymakers visiting the region had risen by 24% this past festive season, increasing from 2021’s 87 398 visitors to 108 447 for 2022.

Mncube said for the December period, occupancy rates around Ballito reached 89% compared to the 2019 pre-Covid figures of 79%.

The bumper season contributed R778-million toward iLembe’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Of the total number of holidaymakers visiting the district, 15 182 were day visitors, while those staying within the region on average booked three-night stays.

Mncube said the past festive season’s impact translated into 1 662 jobs created, while total household income generated reached R187-million.

Direct expenditure by tourists measured in at R492-million, contributing R60-million to taxes. The average visitor spend was R4 628.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma, noted the province attracted 520 000 domestic tourists and 51 000 international tourists, providing a cash injection of R2.4-billion for the provincial economy.

Welcoming the announcement, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s (TKZN) acting chief executive, Nhlanhla Khumalo, said it was pleasing that the province’s districts managed to surpass festive season expectations.

TKZN implemented a marketing campaign which sought to highlight alternative holiday destinations along the provincial coastline owing to some of eThekwini’s beach closures as a result of E. coli contamination.

“The sharp increase in occupancies in the week from Christmas to New Year, particularly in the northern and southern KZN districts, suggests that our message hit home,” Khumalo said.

iLembe hotel occupancy rates were at their highest from December 26 to January 1, peaking at 89%.

North Coast letting agents reported a bumper festive season, with Cyberview Letting’s Inus van Schalkwyk reporting 98% occupancy for the period from December 23 to January 4.

“We had a very good December, better than the past two years but still less than December 2019,” Van Schalkwyk said.

He agreed that generalised rumours of sewerage contamination on the North Coast had contributed to them not surpassing the 2019 figures, while level 6 loadshedding had also dampened bookings during the first half of December.

Christine Grobler of Ballito Accommodation reported full capacity from December 21 to January 7.

“It was a great success. I believe policing of the beaches and the work of the Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct contributed in a huge way,” she said.

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