6 January 2026 – South Coast Explore Insights
KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism sector experienced mixed results during the 2025/2026 festive season, but one destination clearly stood out. According to the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), the KZN South Coast emerged as the province’s top performer, recording a 25–30% increase in accommodation occupancy compared to the previous holiday season.
Fedhasa chairperson Brett Tungay described the overall national picture as uneven, with many destinations reporting flat growth due to economic pressure, a shorter festive window, and constrained travel budgets. However, he highlighted the South Coast as the clear “superstar” of the season, outperforming other coastal and inland regions.
South Coast Outperforms Other KZN Regions
While parts of Durban, the Drakensberg, and other inland areas struggled to show meaningful improvement, accommodation providers along the South Coast reported stronger booking levels and improved demand, particularly from domestic travellers.
Industry feedback suggests that the region benefited from several key factors:
- Competitive accommodation pricing
- Strong domestic travel appeal
- Reliable holiday infrastructure and family-friendly destinations
- Continued popularity of coastal towns during peak summer travel
This performance is especially notable given that the festive season was shorter than usual, limiting opportunities for extended stays and secondary travel periods.
Industry-Led Data with Consistent Reporting
Fedhasa’s assessment is based on industry-reported occupancy data, rather than final audited tourism statistics. However, multiple national media outlets independently reported the same trend, consistently citing the 25–30% uplift on the KZN South Coast as one of the strongest regional performances in South Africa this season.
While official tourism authority figures are expected later in the year, the consistency of industry reporting points to a genuine rebound in South Coast tourism performance.
The Role of Digital Promotion
While no single platform can be credited for the South Coast’s strong festive-season performance, ongoing digital destination marketing has played a supporting role. Platforms such as South Coast Explore have helped amplify visibility for local beaches, attractions, events, and accommodation providers through consistent online content and social media exposure.
By showcasing real experiences and highlighting what makes the region accessible and appealing to domestic travellers, digital promotion contributes to destination awareness and travel consideration, particularly in a market where holiday decisions are increasingly influenced online.
What This Means for the South Coast
This increase in occupancy reinforces the South Coast’s position as one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most resilient and attractive holiday destinations. In a season where many regions struggled to regain momentum, the South Coast demonstrated strong domestic appeal and renewed market confidence.
As economic pressures continue to shape travel decisions, destinations that offer value, accessibility, and reliable experiences are likely to maintain an advantage — and this season suggests the South Coast is well positioned moving forward.
Is this a South Coast moment?
With occupancy growth reaching up to 30%, industry leaders believe the answer is yes.
