Tourists flock to Sunshine Coast

TOUGH economic times have not stopped holidaymakers from flocking to the Sunshine Coast for Christmas.

Tourism officials in Port Alfred and Kentonyesterday confirmed they were battling to find accommodation for holidaymakers who decided to visit at the last minute.

Sunshine Coast tourism manager Sandy Birch said all 2 366 beds at accommodation establishments in Port Alfred, Kleinmonde and Bathurst were fully booked until the New Year. “It seems to be far busier than it was last year. We are battling to find a single room anywhere,” she said. According to Birch, even though the trend in recent years had been shorter seaside holidays from December 16 until the New Year, they had previously been able to fill the gaps and find accommodation for latecomers.

She said all 898 available rooms in the area were booked and 2 366 beds were occupied.

Birch said the beaches and rivers in the area were popular choices to pass time as well as music events featuring many of South Africa’s top stars.

Several endurance type events are also being held including the annual Kowie River mile on Sunday in Port Alfred.

Nomawethu Ngangqu of Kenton-on-Sea tourism said accommodation around the popular resort town was also fully booked.

“Bed and breakfast accommodation and self-catering are full and the camping site is also filling fast. Even game lodges are full.”

Ngangqu said all 500 beds in accommodation establishments were booked.

Besides popular beach and river activities, another major drawcard was the arrival of the Billy’s Beach music festival at Middle Beach.

Ngangqu said many foreign tourists were also in the area – which boasts Blue Flag beaches.