Small boost for tourism accommodation in September

Income from tourism accommodation in South Africa increased by 4.3% year-on-year in September 2018, according to StatsSA.

The increase came amid a 0.3% decrease in the number of stay unit nights sold, but a 4.6% increase in the average income per night. 

The Stats SA report covered private and public enterprises providing short-stay commercial accommodation, and included hotels, motels and inns, caravan parks and camping sites, guesthouses and more. 

The most positive year-on-year growth was seen in caravan parks and camping sites (6.8%), hotels (3%) and 'other' accommodation (12.2%). 

Seasonally adjusted income from accommodation, meanwhile, increased by 1.6% month-on-month in September 2018. The largest month-on-month growth rates were recorded for guesthouses and guest-farms (18.7%); and caravan parks and camping sites (5.4%).

The news is a small boost for the tourism industry, which took a 2.3% hit in July as cash-strapped consumers cut back on travel.

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