Successful Easter season for North Coast accommodation sector but restaurants struggle

The North Coast accommodation sector has reported a successful Easter season, but opinion whether this applied to restaurants is somewhat divided.

The KwaDukuza municipal region took the top spot in terms of accommodation bookings, reporting figures of 80-90% capacity.

Across the iLembe district occupancy levels averaged just above 50%.

Enterprise iLembe CEO Linda Mncube attributed this to the North Coast’s drawcard attractions of extreme adventure offerings, game reserves, beaches and top class restaurants.

Mncube believes this positive growth trajectory will continue throughout the year because of the concerted efforts of all stakeholders to market and promote the region.

However, some establishments did struggle to fill their rooms because people requested cheaper and discounted rates, which Mncube attributed to current economic challenges influencing travel decisions.

Reduced spending has been noted by local restaurants, with the owner of Al Pescatore in Ballito, Trevor Wolf, saying business was not as good as past Easter seasons.

“Our Easters are generally as busy as the Christmas rush. This was not the case this time around,” he said.

Wolf said the volume of business was about 70% compared to a Sunday during the week of Christmas.

Also reporting an average level of trade was Fabien Durocher-Yvon, owner of Fiamma Grill.

“We noted an increase in Easter visitors, but many were spending less, often opting to rather share a pizza and drink less,” he said.

Speaking to patrons, Durocher-Yvon said he learned that many visitors had pitched together as friends to enjoy a shorter getaway, while kids were often left to visit their grandparents.

“We also have to take into account that, to a large extent, Ballito caters for discerning diners,” he said.

Durocher-Yvon also co-owns Concha Café and Conchilla Tapas Lounge and Bar. The café, he said, experienced good trade, especially during the mornings with boardwalk traffic enjoying their morning coffees.

Conchilla also noted improved trade, but catered for a different market – those seeking a place to relax and unwind.

Taso’s Bar and Grill owner, Andre Erasmus, was elated with the turnout at his establishment however, saying his staff pulled double shifts and benefitted from tips and overtime.

“We had an incredible Easter, far better than Christmas,” he said, adding they were run off their feet with the kitchen staying open until much later than usual.

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