Holiday accommodation providers report strong bookings for the festive season, with occupancy rates ranging between 80% and 100%.

The majority of tourists are domestic. The Capital Zimbali general manager and iLembe Chamber of Commerce board member, Rob Cohen, sketched a positive outlook among hospitality operators along the North Coast.

“Bookings are ahead of last year’s pace and occupancies are strong. Issues such as water and electrical supply disruptions as well as E. coli concerns have not been significant this year, restoring confidence in the region,” said Cohen.

Candice Stones of Ballito Agencies Holiday Letting, which owns about 80 beachfront apartments, said they are fully booked from December 18 to January 12.

“Most of our clients are families with children, and their main concerns are beach safety and cleanliness. These factors play a significant role in attracting tourists to Ballito, especially given the E. coli scare in other areas last year,” said Stones.

Ballito Accommodation’s Christine Grobler said their bookings for the upcoming holiday season are looking very positive, with occupancy already at 100% for the peak period between December 20 and January 7, and the periods before and after these dates sitting at about 80%.

“The majority of our guests during this time are family groups and domestic travellers, highlighting a strong demand for local holiday experiences. While there are still some spaces available, we are confident that last-minute bookings will help us fill most of these as the season approaches,” said Grobler.

Natasha Pretorius of Parsons Lettings said their 40 flats are 80% booked and they expect an increase come December 14.

“Ballito’s beach and weather are the main attractions for holidaymakers.”

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