North Coast set for significant economic surge this festive season

North Coast holiday letting agents are fast running out of space with demand for the upcoming festive season growing.

Economic development agency of the iLembe District, Enterprise iLembe, reports that in the final week of November local letting agents have reached occupancy levels ranging between 60-70%.

Several agents said they anticipate the remaining available spaces to be filled within the first two weeks of December.

Owner of Utopia Luxury Holidays Ballito, Elsbeth Terblanche, said they had already reached 80% capacity after December 16.

“We are mostly booked until January 10 in the majority of our properties,” she said, highlighting that the average length of stay was seven nights.

“The only units that do not have bookings yet is a new villa I am in the process of listing, which I’m sure will be booked out once that happens,” she said.

Cyberview Letting owner, Inus van Schalkwyk, was just as elated with the interest shown, saying he was certain the season would trump last year’s.

“We only have a few gaps left to fill,” he said. Cyberview Letting manages about 170 properties and has already reached 70% capacity.

Van Schalkwyk said visitors had expressed interest in the North Coast as a holiday destination owing to it boasting non-polluted beaches.

“The Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct and authorities are also playing their part in ensuring the safety of beachgoers by preventing alcohol from being taken onto beaches,” he said.

The North Coast further offers a variety of events, festivals, concerts and more during the festive season, making it a drawcard according to iLembe Chamber CEO, Cobus Oelofse.

“These are fast becoming a trademark of the North Coast during festive seasons, the two main events being Ballito Rage and Ballito Big Week,” he said.

Oelofse estimated that the economic contribution to the regional economy will be in excess of R500-million, considering event attendance, employment created, event costs, sponsorships, regional marketing benefits, as well as spending by revellers on accommodation and entertainment.

But he stressed the importance of authorities ensuring by-laws are enforced which, coupled with the cleanliness of our beaches and well-maintained infrastructure and amenities would position the North Coast as a world-class destination.

Excluding the coastal benefits, the wider iLembe district’s offering is growing year-on-year.

“Apart from the public and private game reserves on our northern doorstep, the western hinterland is also a joy to discover. The adventure belt along the P103, game lodges and privately owned game reserves, activity centres, mountain biking and water sports activities all add significantly to what our beaches offer,” Oelofse said.

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