Tourist accommodation figures flat

THERE has been little change in accommodation figures between the last quarter of 2004 and the first quarter of 2005. Figures from the latest Tourist Accommodation survey, released yesterday by Statistics South Africa, reveal that the average occupancy rate for all accommodation types in South Africa was relatively flat at 50,3%, marginally up from the previous quarter’s 49,9%. The total number of stay units sold was 4 568 000, down 0,6%. This despite the number of stay units available increasing by 0,9% to 100 900 in the same period. For the first quarter of 2005, the accommodation sector achieved just over R2bn in total accommodation, up from the previous figure of R1,9bn. The average unit sold for R438,97 between January and March, up 1,34% on the previous quarter. While the accommodation data between the two quarters was generally flat, tourist arrivals for January, February and March of this year have increased compared to the previous year. January, February and March saw an increase of 6,6%, 4,6% and 12% in total arrivals respectively. (Darren Sandras)