[imagesource:flickr]
Despite the busy beaches, cramped restaurants, and chockablock roads, some believe this festive season didn’t actually meet expectations.
Over the last couple of months, the City of Cape Town said it has seen remarkable growth in the tourism sector but the private sector begs to differ, sharing mixed reactions to this December period.
Preliminary survey results among the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) members showed that turnover increased over the December holiday period when compared with the same period in 2022, noted IOL. Meanwhile, others indicated that numbers were softer.
Restaurants reported that there was a slower-than-usual start to the season and that profits were split between an increase and a decrease, further demonstrating that margins remain under pressure.
Similarly in the accommodation arena, Fedhasa national chairperson Rosemary Anderson said some housing providers noted growth in occupancy rates when compared with December 2022, but not quite up to the levels of 2019.
Anderson remains positive, though, noting that “preliminary feedback is that the Christmas-to-New Year period was the best-performing in terms of occupancy. Some members also noted that the average length of stay increased, which was encouraging to see,” she said.
“However, there was strong intent to travel; specifically, 94% of respondents indicated they would be travelling domestically. This may provide some insight into the preliminary mixed response we have had so far regarding occupancy rates for the season.”
While data is still a little sketchy, it can be said in some parts that Cape Town’s tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth:
“Seeing visitors return to a destination shows their interest in a place, its practices, and its people. Return trips not only enrich visitors’ experiences but also contribute significantly to the economic vibrancy of our communities.
“Visitors – and especially returning visitors – don’t merely come to relax on our beaches and explore our mountains. They come to engage with our businesses and our communities and immerse themselves in the city’s rich history and cultures,” said Mayco member for economic growth James Vos.
Derryn Brigg, deputy president of the Cape Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said it was still too soon to quantify this year’s holiday season, but all indications are that the tourism sector experienced mixed fortunes over the prime tourist season.
“For some, there was a welcome rebound following years of Covid doldrums, while for others, the numbers were softer compared with the same period in 2022.
Brigg reminds us that the peak summer season is still in play, and it is important to review all data to receive a holistic and complete picture of how tourism and hospitality fared this past December holiday season.
[source:iol]
