SA tourism bookings crash and burn
The financial shock hitting SA’s hotel and self-catering accommodation spots could last for the rest of the year
Umhlanga, Hermanus and Plettenberg Bay, usually bustling with holidaymakers during the peak Easter school break, are all but deserted. In these and other coastal hotspots, bookings worth millions of rands have been cancelled in the wake of the Covid-19 lockdown leaving letting agents, Airbnb hosts and hoteliers out of pocket.And there are fears that travel plans for the June/July and December periods will also be scrapped, given that many South Africans may no longer be able to afford a holiday this year.Leigh Mulholland, manager for letting agency Seeff ShortStay, estimates that in Cape Town alone, more than 17,000 short-term rental properties are standing empty (including Airbnb rooms and apartments, but excluding hotel rooms)."That translates into millions of rands of lost revenue to the self-catering sector of the tourist market," she says.Mulholland confirms that 100% of Seeff ShortStay’s rental bookings of around 500 properties across SA for the Easter and midyear holiday seas...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.