Festive season gets the ‘thumbs up’

The last December season showed a marked uptick when compared with December 2018.

This is according to Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism.

Ms Mangcu said a survey conducted by Tourism had revealed that occupancy at accommodation establishments was around 80 percent, while shopping centres also reported an increased number of shoppers.

ALSO READ : Mid South Coast beaches ‘trashed’ during December

“This can in part be attributed to the amount of effort Ugu South Coast Tourism put in to reintroducing the South Coast to the market, positioning it as a destination with diverse experiences; making it a top of mind destination, not only in KZN but nationally and globally.”

Beaudene Steyn, marketing manager at Shelly Centre, agreed, saying the centre had enjoyed a positive festive season and an increase in foot traffic compared to the previous year.

“There was a wonderful buzz throughout the season, people were generally jovial and everything ran smoothly.”

She added that although final numbers had not yet been collated, preliminary turnover figures had “exceeded expectation”.

Marketing manager of Southcoast Mall, Jayne Munro said they were very happy that the foot count had showed a 5.8 percent increase as compared to December 2018.

Alice Brandsma of Hibiscus Mall said although the mall’s foot count was around 585 000, this was “a little down” on last year.

Lee Barker of Jaxx Restaurant said their December season was slightly better than last year which, considering the financial climate at the moment, speaks volumes.

“It shows our coast has a lot to offer – great weather, amazing beaches, cheaper accommodation and better service than most places in the country.”

Police spokesman, Captain Petros Mpinge said the joint effort by Saps, Protection Services, National Road Traffic Inspectorate and local security companies had yielded positive results, ensuring the safety of both locals and visitors.

“During the holidays, safer season operations were conducted in various areas along the coast and in the rural areas.

“High visibility roadblocks and stop and searches resulted in a number of arrests being made for drunk in public, driving under the influence, assault with grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs and possession of dangerous weapons.”

Acting Ugu cluster commander, Brigadier Bongani Sibiya commended all officers from various departments for their contribution to ensuring a safe season.

Craig Botha of KwaZulu Private Ambulance Services said paramedics treated 25 patients – mostly victims of assault or accidents – on New Year’s Day, but added that overall the season was “fine”.

Simon April, spokesman for Ray Nkonyeni Municipality said festive season plans were implemented successfully and no major incidents had been reported.

He pointed out that the municipality had beefed up security by employing an additional 64 reservists to assist with law enforcement.

“The exact number of arrests will only be available once de-briefing has been completed.

“Road closures, mainly on the roads leading to beaches, helped avoid congestion, ensured safety and allowed more policing,” he added.

Despite the difficult economy, Jo-Anne Wentzel, chairman of the Margate Business Association, said Margate had experienced a “moderate to good” season.

“We have had many holidaymakers expressing their amazement at how the overall impression of Margate town has improved.

“The cleanliness was particularly commented on, and we must thank the municipality which cleaned up three times a day.”

Ms Wentzel said the visible presence of law enforcement, Saps and security companies created a wonderful “safe holiday” vibe for families.

She added that due to excellent crowd control and the closure of access roads on the busiest public holidays had led to the beaches being more accessible for families than in previous years.

“We will continue to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure it gets better every year.”

She thanked municipal manager Max Mbili for his assistance with the opening of the national road at the entrance to Margate, damaged by the floods in April, in time for the influx of visitors,

“This made a big difference, and holidaymakers commented that they can see that good things are happening in Margate.”

However, Umtentweni guest lodge owner, Carmen Jesson did not agree, saying she felt this season had been the quietest in 15 years.

“It was the longest holiday yet our shortest ‘fully booked’ period with small gaps right throughout – even small gaps over peak periods such as Christmas and New Year,” she said.

She added that in her opinion, tourism had all but been destroyed by years of dirty water making guests sick, periods with no water at all, potholed roads and general bad behaviour such as bathing and urinating in public.

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