StatsSA has published its preliminary tourist accommodation statistics, showing that total income for tourist accommodation — measured at current prices — was up almost 80% in September compared with the same period last year.
The biggest contributors to the YoY increase were hotels ; and “other” accommodation including lodges, bed-and-breakfasts, self-catering establishments and other non-hotel establishments . At current prices, income generated from accommodation is still well below pre-Covid levels: in September 2019, the sector generated R2.8-billion, compared to R2.043-billion in September 2022, but the trend indicates a steep month-on-month increase since the sheer drop-off of March 2020., with the average cost per stay per night now R762, compared to R963 in May this year, with occupancy down from 40.4% in May to 34.1% in September.
A third said a lack of financial skills was their biggest problem, with 35% calling for more government investment in helping them with digital skills and innovation.