[imagesource:pexels]

Holiday spots along the North Coast are buzzing, particularly Ballito where bookings for the festive season hit a sweet spot between 80% and fully booked.

Most of the visitors are locals, soaking up the summer vibes. Rob Cohen, general manager of The Capital Zimbali and a key player in the iLembe Chamber of Commerce, painted a bright picture for the region’s hospitality scene, saying the mood among operators is all sunshine and smiles.

Cohen noted that bookings are ahead of last year’s pace and “occupancies are strong” as the usual issues such as water and electrical supply disruptions as well as E. coli concerns have dropped this year, “restoring confidence in the region,” he said via the North Coast Courier.

Candice Stones from Ballito Agencies Holiday Letting, which manages around 80 prime beachfront apartments, revealed they’re fully booked from December 18 to January 12.

“Most of our clients are families with children, and their main concerns are beach safety and cleanliness. These factors play a significant role in attracting tourists to Ballito, especially given the E. coli scare in other areas last year,” said Stones.

Christine Grobler of Ballito Accommodation shared the same sunny outlook, with peak-period bookings from December 20 to January 7 already at 100%, and pre-and post-peak dates hovering around 80%.

“The majority of our guests during this time are family groups and domestic travellers, highlighting a strong demand for local holiday experiences. While there are still some spaces available, we are confident that last-minute bookings will help us fill most of these as the season approaches,” said Grobler.

Natasha Pretorius from Parsons Lettings echoed the buzz, reporting 80% occupancy for their 40 units, with a surge anticipated from December 14, noting how the beach and weather are the real heroes of Ballito’s holiday charm.

With the coast pulling out all the stops, Ballito’s festive season is shaping up to be a blockbuster!

[source:northcoastcourier]