Does South Africa continue to offer value for money?
During 2001 and 2002, average room rates in South African hotels fell significantly in US dollar terms as the Rand weakened. During this time word spread quickly of the country’s considerable value for money. While many international destinations suffered a decline in visitor arrivals post the events of 9/11 and the global economic slow down, South Africa was one of the few markets to record positive growth in tourist numbers. In 2003 international visitor arrivals (excluding other African countries) grew by 4.2%. Much of this growth was driven by a 5.3% increase in visitor arrivals from Europe. Growing demand for accommodation helped hoteliers increase average room rates, while a strengthening Rand improved prices in US dollars. Recovering some of the rate loss incurred during 2001 and 2002. Despite ongoing average room rate growth in almost all South African hotel markets, accommodation remains competitively priced compared to other international destinations. The following graph com
