By Adele Shevel

Figures are likely to indicate a 20% to 30% decrease in accommodation numbers over the Christmas tourist season compared with a year ago.

Brett Dungan, chief executive of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa, said that though certain regions had "moments of brilliance" lower figures were indicative of the tough economic situation.

On Monday, Statistics SA released figures for the accommodation industry for the 3 months ended in November 2009, which showed a decrease of 9.5% compared with the three months ended in November 2008.

Dungan said the South Coast in KwaZulu-Natal had a good take-up in Christmas and the New Year, but the rates paid were lower and length of stay was down on a year ago.

There was a shift in accommodation habits with top-end hotels under strain, as noted in Cape Town.

Timeshare and self-catering units did well, particularly along the South Coast, many of which were booked in advance.

Visitors to Cape Town tended to stay for longer periods, compared with those in Durban.

Durban and Cape Town were both helped by sporting events such as cricket.

"It's a very difficult time," said Dungan. "A lot of new five-star hotels are open and are running opening specials, which might carry on longer than expected.

Though there was little demand for five-star hotel accommodation during the December holiday season, the R500-million Taj Hotel in Cape Town is almost fully booked for the World Cup in June and July.

Source: The Times