South Africa’s tourism industry is anticipating a strong Easter holiday period, with industry players expressing confidence that demand will remain resilient despite a sharp increase in fuel prices expected in April ahead of the bumper Easter weekend.
Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Naomi Crous said they were expecting a strong and positive Easter period, with domestic travel expected to increase compared to previous years. Crous said while higher fuel prices may influence travel decisions, they are unlikely to deter Easter travel.
“We expect travellers to adapt by shortening stays or sharing costs, rather than cancelling trips altogether. For Umhlanga, this may even be beneficial, as it remains a drive-friendly coastal destination for a large portion of the domestic market,” she said.
Fuel Price Impact on Tourism
Brett Tungay, national chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA), said that South Africans need a little more adversity than high fuel prices to not go away over Easter.
“If the fuel prices do escalate further, what we will see is a reduction in secondary spend such as restaurant meals and entertainment. We might benefit from the air travel disruptions in the Middle East as some South Africans might decide to spend Easter in the country and not travel abroad,” Tungay said.
Domestic Travel Trends
Jeannie Sarno, owner of Burnham House B&B in Umhlanga, said she is hoping that bookings pick up in the upcoming days.
“Domestic travellers have developed a trend to book at the last minute. This could be due to the pandemic or modern travellers waiting for last-minute deals, but many can remain disappointed as first-choice establishments become booked up,” she said.
Here are some key trends to expect in the domestic tourism market:
- Increased demand for drive-friendly destinations
- Shorter stays and shared costs among travellers
- Reduced secondary spend on entertainment and dining
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast continues to position itself as a premier domestic tourism destination.
“Our destination continues to demonstrate resilience and appeal, particularly within the domestic market. We are optimistic about the Easter period and remain committed to working with our stakeholders to ensure a safe, vibrant, and memorable visitor experience,” he said.
