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Economy, flood blamed for Limpopo tourism drop

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(Shutterstock)
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Polokwane - Limpopo tourism authorities have blamed floods and a poor economy for fewer tourists visiting its 21 Limpopo Wildlife Resorts over the festive season.

Limpopo Tourism Agency spokesperson Ntlhekeng Kgatla said 53 260 people visited their Wildlife resorts compared to 56 141 over the same period in 2012.

Kgatla said: "We're pleased and satisfied with the numbers, given the current unfavourable economic conditions. We (also) turned away bookings last year because some of our resorts were not functioning as a result of floods. We would have (done better) if all of them were functioning.”

The Wildlife Resorts include Nylsvlei birding lodge, Hans Merensky Resort, Modjadji Nature Reserve and Blouberg Nature Reserve, amongst others.

Kgatla added that other establishments did better over the 2013 festive season when it came to occupancy rates.

“The province has recorded an increase of tourist arrivals from 62% in 2012 to 64% in 2013."

Destinations

Kgatla said popular destinations during the festive season included Klein Kariba, Mapungubwe Heritage Site and Marakele National Park, Legend Golf Safari Lodge, Protea Hotel Ranch Resort, Doorndraai Dam, Shonalanga, Rust de Winter, Forever Resort Tshipise, Warmbaths, Mphephu Resort and the Kruger National Park.

“At Kruger National Park about 19 271 people went through the Phalaborwa gate, 20 799 people went through the Punda Maria gate, while 1 585 people went through the Pafuri gate,” added Kgatla.

He said Mphephu Resort, which re-opened for business in December last year after closing down due to floods, was one of favourite destinations.

“On Christmas day, 5 510 people went through the gates while Nwanedi welcomed over 6 143 people,” Kgatla said.


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