Holiday bonanza for Eastern Cape resorts
Visitors converge on coastal locations during school break
VISITORS to Eastern Cape resorts and Wild Coast holiday hotels are attracted by affordable family holidays, which is why many are almost full these school holidays, according to hotel owners and reservation agencies.
Wild Coast Holiday Reservations co-owner Helen Ross said hotels between Chintsa East in the west and Mbotyi in the east were enjoying a 75% occupancy rate this holiday, with guests travelling mainly from Johannesburg and Cape Town.
“They are not as busy at December when we will have a 95% occupancy, but people are still taking the opportunity to visit us these holidays. Holiday home bookings in Haga Haga, Morgan Bay and Marshstrand are also popular. I think affordability, remoteness and a good old-fashioned holiday are the drawcards,” said Ross.
“I just saw a Joburg family of five arrive for their first visit to the Eastern Cape, to do the Meander Trail from Cob Inn to Morgan Bay, and they were so excited about spending time together as a family.”
Trennery’s Hotel marketing manager Leigh Myles said improved roads leading to the Wild Coast resort were responsible for capacity bookings this holiday. The hotel’s campsite is also full.
“We have mainly people from East London, but also from Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and KwaZulu-Natal as well as international visitors from Belgium and Germany. People come predominantly for a family-friendly holiday.
“There are not many affordable rates left in South Africa and during this holiday the rate is R2 500 for a family of four for dinner, bed and breakfast per night. That’s why we do well.”
She said besides fishing, surfing, coastal walks, a cultural tour, children’s facilities, a teen recreational room, child minders and “a very festive bar”, people came to the resort because they felt safe on the beach.
Myles said bookings had also improved after budget airlines added East London to their flight schedules.
Umngazi River Bungalows and Spa assistant manager Louise Battilou said the upmarket resort was full until the end of the school holidays on Sunday.
“A lot of it has to do with our children’s activities and our huge team of nannies as well as our entertainment team and creative corner for tiny tots. If children are happy, then parents are happy and can chill at the pool or go to the spa. Also, all meals are included and there is a kiddie dining room for earlier meals.”
At Crawford’s Beach Lodge in Chintsa East, owner Mark Crawford said the resort was 90% full, and guests consisted of Capetonians, international visitors and holidaymakers from KwaZulu-Natal.
“People come to our coastline for a traditional holiday. A lot of children get sucked into their iPads, but when there’s a group of them, they join the pack going surfing, sand-boarding and swimming, giving parents the opportunity to relax.” —