TOURISM KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) has reported a slight decrease in tourism flow during the months of December and January. However, the province remains positive as stats show the decrease was not as marked as projected prior to the festive period.

Stats confirm that the summer holiday season was actually a very successful one with occupancies hovering around the 70% level for KwaZulu Natal, greater Durban and Durban Central. In addition, reports from the North Coast show that occupancies in the area were slightly higher than the same period last year, meanwhile the South Coast and the Drakensberg regions reported that the season had been a reasonable one. The tourism authority also confirmed that crime levels were down with very few incidents reported of visitors falling victim to criminals.  The province’s multibillion-rand projects, King Shaka Airport and the Point Waterfront Development, continue to progress while preparations for the 2010 Fifa World Cup are reportedly at an advanced stage, specifically with regard to accommodation establishments. Meanwhile, events will remain a focus in the province as the sector continues to contribute strongly to tourism development in the province. Successful events hosted last year, include the Dusi Canoe Marathon, Midmar Mile, the A1 Grand Prix, Splashy Fen, the Tourism Indaba, Comrades Marathon, Durban Fashion Week, the Durban July, Beach Africa and the Loerie Awards.