Kulula beach survey highlights recession beating holiday spots
23. Nov, 2009
3 Comments
Recession-hit holidaymakers should be packing their trunks for Stillbaai this summer according to a survey by kulula holidays, the travel portal of kulula.com. Stillbaai, in the Western Cape, was identified as the most wallet-friendly beach destination, with Margate and Amanzimtoti (near Durban) close behind. Camps Bay and Hermanus might be larney, but came out as the most expensive destinations with significantly higher prices.
The kulula beach index rated 14 popular beach destinations and measured costs common to summer holidays including the price of beachfront accommodation, a meal of fish & chips, beer, and a round of golf. The index was created to help guide South Africans in search of budget friendly breaks this summer. The destinations were split into three main categories and were *scored ratings (the higher the rating the more budget friendly) on cheapness:
“Budget nibblers” (cheap and cheerful):
1. Stillbaai (22)
2. Margate (20)
3. Amanzimtoti (Durban) (20)
4. St Lucia (19)
5. Jeffreys Bay (18)
6. Port Elizabeth (17)
7. Gordons Bay (17)
“Cash snackers” (moderately priced):
8. Paternoster (16)
9. Langebaan (15)
10. Mossel Bay (15)
11. Knysna Quays (15)
12. Ballito (15)
“Rand gluttons” (larney but expensive)
13. Hermanus (13)
14. Camps Bay (6)
The price variation most significant was found in accommodation, which ranged from less than R700 in Stillbaai and St Lucia, to R 2500 plus in Camps Bay for a self catering apartment for four. The holiday staple food, fish and chips, ranged from R 41 in St Lucia to nearly double at R 72 in Camps Bay. The price of a beer also varied widely with the same brand costing R 18 in Camps Bay compared to R 12 in cheaper destinations such as Stillbaai, Gordan’s Bay and Jeffrey’s Bay. Golf lovers on a budget should be heading to Paternoster, Amanzimtot and Stillbaai where a local game was considerably cheaper than other locations.
“Many South Africans are still feeling the effects recession and will be on a financial diet this holiday season. The kulula beach index is just one way in which we’re helping kulula fans find cost savings without missing out on any of the fun of summer” comments Ian Meaker, executive manager: kulula distribution.
Stillbaai is situated 26 km away from the N2 main road between Mossel Bay and Riversdale. This cheap and cheerful destination offers a long stretch of white beaches, perfect weather for holiday making and wonderful water-sport facilities including fishing and scuba-diving. Although becoming an increasingly popular spot, Stillbaai has managed to maintain its characteristics as a pollution-free, safe and peaceful destination.
“Stillbaai Tourism is delighted that it has come out tops in the kulula beach index survey. Already a well-liked Garden Route destination and we hope that this will further boost tourism to our corner of the world,” comments Dr Joan Prins of the Stillbaai Tourism Office.
My name is Muzi Mohale a full-time travel blogger, your host at Travelwires.com responsible for all editorial on this blog. I blog about the travel and tourism industry in Africa. Apart from blogging about tourism, I also run 
I read your report with great interest and believe more detailed benchmark reports in regards to popularity and value-for-money would be very useful to the hospitality industry as one needs to bench mark not only against the competition right next door but to businesses all over South Africa. I am just really disappointed that like in many other reports, Bloubergstrand (a very popular holiday destination for families and water sport fans) was again not included in the list of beach destinations.
Bloubergstrand is conveniently located only a short drive from Cape Town’s CBD, the V&A Waterfront and Cape Town International Airport and offers some of the most beautiful beaches, the most stunning view of Table Mountain and Robben Island and an array of qood quality and very well priced restaurants. It is an ideal holiday destination for families and water sport fans and offers a wide selection of B&B’s, Guest Houses and Self Catering Accommodation ranging from budget to luxury. For a great family-friendly guest house, visit http://www.alphaducap.co.za, for the upmarket business accommodation, visit http://www.westcoastlodge.co.za, for self catering accommodation close to the beach, visit http://www.bayvilla.co.za and for affordable long-term self catering accommodation or relocation, visit http://www.blouberg-holiday-house.co.za. For more information on Bloubergstrand, visit http://www.blaauwberg-direct.co.za and http://www.nauticalstar-accommodation.com.