South Africa Tourism Shows Signs of Recovery During Festive Season

South African tourism is showing signs of recovery with the coastal city of Durban having 80% occupancy at establishments and more than 200,000 visitors during the festive season, said Mxolisi Kaunda, the mayor, on 2 January 2022.

"We desperately needed this development because we were bruised by the pandemic and multitudes of our people lost jobs. I am happy that following these figures, it means we are doing things right," said Kaunda.

Kaunda said during this festive season restaurants and eateries in the townships and other destinations were full of tourists.

Over the Christmas weekend period alone, about 200,000 people visited the city, spending close to ZAR 150 million (about USD 10 million).

On 30 December 2021, the South African government removed the curfew imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19.