Elephant Coast enjoys busy festive season
Tourism businesses the length of the Elephant Coast reported good numbers this holiday season
IT was a busy festive season throughout the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and surrounding areas, with as many as 60 000 beach visitors reported on New Year’s day.
Visitor numbers to the wetland park were up by 8% compared to last year’s figures, with vehicle limits being reached daily.
In a statement, the park authority said operators and retail owners confirmed this was their busiest season yet.
Apart from three drownings and bicycle thefts at St Lucia’s beaches, the crowds behaved themselves and tight controls across the wetland park reduced the unlawful consumption of alcohol in public areas.
Guesthouses in St Lucia reported good numbers throughout the festive season and tour operators were kept busy with daily trips to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Kosi Bay Lodge was fully booked throughout, as has been the norm for the past 22 years.
‘We strive to make iSimangaliso a must-see destination that reflects its World Heritage values. There is something for everyone – the nature aficionados, fun-seekers and families,’ said Terri Castis, iSimangaliso Commercial Director.
