Sunday Tribune

Before booking that overseas holiday, why not consider a staycation?

BERNELEE VOLLMER Bernelee.vollmer@inl.co.za

IT’S EXCITING to see signs of recovery for the tourism sector, with international tourist arrivals rising nearly 60%.

According to the City of Cape Town's mayoral committee member for economic growth James Vos, American tourists were South Africa’s biggest visiting group in 2021.

However, rising inflation, oil prices and increases in global transport and accommodation costs have made it pricier for South Africans to travel internationally.

Recent research also shows many airlines and hotels are fully booked for the upcoming holidays. Therefore many South Africans are looking for alternative ways to spend their holidays.

Sean Bradley, chief business development officer for Travelwings Africa said: “Just as local travellers helped to keep the South African tourism industry afloat over the last two-anda-half years, it is our view that this holiday season a staycation will prove to be an extremely attractive alternative for South African singles, couples, and families.

‘’Not only is it easier on the bank balance, but there are many local experiences on offer that tick all the boxes of needs and wants and are in tune with rising travel trends.”

The World Travel Organisation released a report on the top travel trends in Africa for 2022 which showed

that holidaymakers wanted to “make a positive impact on conservation and communities,” and have “intimate and authentic experiences”.

This leads to people wanting to take longer trips in simpler ways and still have it be a meaningful trip.

“However, if Covid has taught the local tourism industry just one thing, it is the importance of our local market, which has supported us through the worst of the pandemic and has played a massive role in helping us revive and recover,” said Bradley.

INSIDER

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2022-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

2022-11-27T08:00:00.0000000Z

https://sundaytribune.pressreader.com/article/282518662512446

African News Agency