Ballito Easter weekend trade remained upbeat despite slow economic conditions and changing public spending trends.

This according to local businesses who reported positive returns from a high influx of domestic visitors to the region.

Accommodation occupancy showed a slight increase compared to last year, with occupancy levels increasing from just over 50% last year to an average of 60% this year. Some establishments claimed full occupancy.

Short-term rental businesses such as Parsons Letting in Ballito reported a high occupancy rate of 80% over Easter.

According to Natasha Pretorius of Parsons Letting, bookings have remained steady over the past year.

The Airbnb market was also buoyant, with local host Michele Els reporting 90% occupancy.

The Ballito Lifestyle Centre reported a 3.5% increase in vehicle counts compared to the previous year.

Lifestyle marketing manager Tessa Woodley said despite the short break this year, the centre received great support from locals and holidaymakers.

Local restaurants reported lower than expected customer turnout, however.

”We could have done better, business wasn’t great,” said Lupa Osteria manager, Maxwell Mahachi.

Zara’s Café manager Mathew Wessers said business remained steady but poor weather did have a negative impact.

On the Courier’s Facebook page Ballito resident Marge Gray Wakelin commented about the traffic over the Easter weekend.

”There was hardly parking at the beaches and restaurants,” she said.

Ballito’s Surreal Studios tatoo parlour reported busy trade. “We had tons of business,” Nicole Jagers posted.

Estelle van Niekerk Elliott of the Sorbert Group also experienced great customer turnout.

Enterprise iLembe’s acting CEO, Hlengiwe Hakata, attributed the steady increase in economic activity to the region’s commitment to promote the North Coast as a preferred holiday destination and “as the best sho’t left weekend getaway”.

The weekly water testing conducted by the Ballito Urban Improvement Precinct that provided visitors with peace of mind when swimming on North Coast beaches was another significant factor, she said.

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