Minister Sisulu has expressed excitement at the latest data from statistics South Africa relating to tourist accommodation figures for march 2022. Total income from accommodation increased to R1,7 billion, an 88% increase compared to march 2021. For the entire first quarter of 2022, income from tourism accommodation rose 83%.

It is also encouraging to note that income from hotel accommodation rose 118% in the first quarter compared to the first quarter of 2021.

“We especially celebrate the rebounding in hotel accommodation as it strengthens our case for investment, and rewards the confidence displayed by investors in our tourism sector as we work hard towards a recovery.  We are also happy that guest houses saw a 105% increase in incomes in the first quarter of 2022 compared to the same time last year. While other sectors continue to see dampened incomes, tourism continues to show strong recovery. Our efforts are paying off”, said minister Sisulu. 

However, Sisulu expressed regret at the issues besetting COMAIR and its suspension of British airways and Kulula flights, which could have a dampening effect on this strong recovery. 

“Air travel is a key pillar for South Africa’s tourism recovery and i am confident that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) Sa tourism recently signed with emirates airlines to grow the tourism market in south Africa will bear fruits soon.” Said Sisulu. “similar effort is underway with Qatar airways and other airlines will hopefully serve to fill this gap”. 

Issued by ministry of tourism

Steve Motale on 0837840719

MLO Mpumzi Zuzile on 0725509019 ​