Durban - It’s been another booming Easter with a R500-million cash injection expected from tourists who flocked to Durban the weekend.
Mayor James Nxumalo said the city was optimistic that numbers would continue their steady rise during this period and would make a meaningful contribution to the province’s gross domestic product.
“We are positive we will have a good Easter weekend in terms of tourist numbers due to a number of factors, including the major events we have hosted recently, which created a great platform for us to market our city locally and abroad. We are expecting a hotel occupancy rate of about 90 percent and total economic activity in excess of R500m,” he said.
The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa said the weekend was undoubtedly the busiest of the year around the country.
“It’s one week in the year which is busier than the festive season. People travel to Durban from all parts of the country to enjoy what’s on offer. Most hotels are fully booked and this is the case year after year,” said spokesperson Charles Preece.
Spokesperson for Mango Airlines, Hein Kaiser, said flights to Durban were fully booked.
“Flights have had a 98 percent to 100 percent occupancy on every flight to Durban. It’s pleasing to note, and it shows Durban has sustained its title as one of the country’s top holiday destinations.”
Nxumalo said several events had contributed to the province’s economic injection.
Despite the recent Nicki Minaj and TI concerts being criticised by the public who thought it was unnecessary expenditure, he said they had created momentum towards the Easter weekend.
“Furthermore, if you look at the number of international and local events we have hosted during March alone, including the International Jazz Extravaganza, we managed to create the much-needed momentum. We are confident this interest translated to tourist numbers in the city,” he said.
Sunday Tribune