KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is looking forward to welcoming thousands of holidaymakers for the Easter break. And indications are that it will be another bumper period for the province.

Research conducted by Tourism KZN – based on preliminary hotel and non-hotel booking percentages and historical data – shows that some 512 000 local visitors and 49 000 international visitors are expected to visit the province for the Easter weekend. The anticipated spend is in the region of R724 million (€37m) for domestic tourists, who spent a lot last year, and R380 million (€20m) for international tourists.

“By working closely with our tourism trade partners, and encouraging them to offer value-for-money packages, we have ensured that KZN remains a firm favourite for both domestic and international travellers,” said Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma.

According to FEDHASA Eastern Region Chairman, Brett Tungay, hotel bookings are between 65% and 70% and hoteliers are expecting that this will improve closer to the Easter weekend.

ANEW Hotels & Resorts Operations Director, Kevin Burley, says the group is looking at strong booking figures, averaging between 70%-75% occupancy for the period across the province. Advance bookings show that people are heading north for beach and safari holidays.

Early non-hotel booking figures show that the uMkhanyakude District in northern KZN is the top spot for holidaymakers, followed by Harry Gwala district in the southern Drakensberg and uThukela District in the northern Drakensberg. These are followed by uMgungundlovu in the Midlands, iLembe on the north coast and Ugu on the south coast.

“I want to also assure holidaymakers that KZN is a safe destination, and that we are working around the clock with law enforcement agencies to ensure this.”