Revenue per available room in South Africa jumped 121,7% to R1,099 during the month of June, compared with the same period last year, analysis by business advisory firm Deloitte, out on Friday has found.

This jump in hotel performance was due to a 100,9% increase in average room rates, while occupancy increased to 63,7%, up from 57,7% in June 2009, according to data prepared by benchmarking and research group STR Global. Average room rates were charged at R1,726 in June.

Broken down into cities, Johannesburg occupancy was at 80,6%, up 27,1% year-on-year (y/y) for the month of June at an average rate of R1,539 per room, with revPAR growth in excess of 150%, while Cape Town occupancy increased 16,9% to 57,8% at an average room rate of R1,976, and revPAR growth of 152%.

Durban occupancy, however, declined 8,6% to 61,5% at an average room rate of R1,466, with revPAR growth of 60%.

"Although the full economic impact of the World Cup has yet to be tallied, the tournament brought astounding success to South African hoteliers during the tournament, with revPAR growth in excess of 120%,” said Moray Wilson, Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure Leader for Southern Africa at Deloitte.

"This jump is far greater than the 33% increase experienced in Germany, when the country hosted the 2006 World Cup. However, it should be noted that the location of South Africa ensured that supporters stayed in the country for a longer period of time.

"As time passes, the legacy of the event will become apparent but so far, South Africa has already seen an overhaul to its tourism infrastructure and improved international perceptions in terms of being a safe destination to visit. The benefits reach beyond the borders of South Africa and the profile of tourism across Africa has also been raised with the flood of media covering its tourism offerings," he said.

Former host country Germany recorded 64,6% occupancy during the 2006 FIFA World Cup, down 3,2% year-on-year (y/y), while South Korea and Japan noted occupancy rates of 72,5% and 73,8% respectively in June 2002. – I-Net Bridge

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