Media and Public Statement by the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Siboniso Duma_
05 January 2024
” We continue to receive reports from mayors and tourism stakeholders about clear signs of extraordinary recovery of tourism in the province.
The influx of holidaymakers to different parts of the province has ensured the stimulation of other sectors of local economies with jobs created in the process.
We were informed by the N3 Toll Concession that at the peak of the festive season, there were 2 000 vehicles per hour heading towards our beautiful province.
Towards the end of January, our entity – Tourism KwaZulu-Natal will present detailed tourism figures.
At this stage we wish to report the following:-
1. Supply of bed-nights for the week between Christmas and New Year’s day increased by 4% compared to last year;
2. On average we see an occupancy increase by about 2% from the beginning of December – meaning 63,5% up from 61,1% from last year – 2022.
We are encouraged by the drastic improvements in terms of accommodation bookings compared to last year.
In addition, we are still receiving enquiries in relation to entertainment activities and accommodation with visitors still interested to visit inland, along our coastline and the townships.
The interest generated is as a result of hard work by our entities – Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, KZN Sharks Board, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, Gaming & Betting and KZN Liquor Authority.
Ahead of the festive season we teamed up with events planners, tourism agencies, associations and municipalities to rollout a line-up of activities throughout the corners of the province.
We offered music events, family and sporting activities, fine dining in restaurants and entertainment spots located in the suburbs, townships and rural areas.
We must hasten to point out that apart from reported increase in traffic along the tourism corridors – N3 and N2 – some of our holidaymakers arrived through our regional airports and King Shaka International Airport.
At the right time, the Airport Company of SA will present their official stats in terms of the arrivals through King Shaka.
Finally, we salute law enforcement agencies who are deployed to ensure visibility and the safety of our visitors.
We thank beachgoers for not drinking and swimming.
We must sustain the culture of ensuring the cleanliness of our beaches and all our recreational facilities.
As we stated in the past, it should be our responsibility to ensure that the next person has quality time”.
