Easter weekend boosts crippled KZN hospitality industry

Holidaymakers and other travellers flocked into the province last week - taking advantage of the relaxed regulations.

During Easter last year, the country had just gone into level 5 lockdown and people were confined to their properties.

Msawenkosi Zakuza, who is the owner of Shelly Beach Lodge in Margate, says they had a bumper long weekend and were fully booked. 

He says they've had to reduce their prices per night to attract guests. " Our guests would vary. They were coming in and out, most of them were booking one day but immediately when they check out there will be someone coming in to book. 

"Mostly, they will be going to the beach or places around like Oribi Gorge or Crocodile Farm and we were compliant to the COVID-19 regulations." 

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Zakuza says the business is starting to regain momentum, adding if the current regulations for the sector remain the same, it will help them recover financially.

The owner of Erin Cottage & B&B in Bergville, Jackie Schmidt says they were also full to capacity. 

She says the long weekend was busier than usual and saw more visitors in the area. 

Schmidt says she had to put measures in place for her business to survive - but hopes for more assistance for the sector. 

"The facilities around our area are in such a shocking state, so it would be nice if they fixed some roads up. We are in a big hiking area and the places of hiking are in a dismal state." 

"The facilities are not great but they are supposed to attract the tourists around here and it's really shocking. There is nothing that is done to uplift the area and it would make a huge difference to businesses like mine if they did."