HOLIDAYMAKERS will be flocking to Eastern and Southern Cape coastal resorts despite the tough economic conditions that have characterised the past year.

Resort owners said although guests might be booking shorter stays, they were not depriving themselves of their annual seaside break and many resorts were fully booked over Christmas and New Year.

They said people needed a holiday more than ever following the stresses of a tough year.

Willows Holiday Resort general manager Herman Nell said the PE beach resort had benefited from the recession because more people were looking for accommodation options that were easier on the pocket.

“We are fortunate. We have managed to pull business from more expensive establishments because people are bumping it down.”

Nell said the resort was fully booked for the upcoming season.

“We could have filled three resorts – there have been so many enquiries. It’s been a difficult year so people need a beach break more than previously.”

Knysna River Club staffer Craig Petersen said although the months leading up to the season had seen a slump, the upmarket lagoon resort is 80% booked from December 22, and fully booked during the peak Christmas/New Year period of December 28 to January 2.

“There was definitely a drop earlier and we had to extend our winter special until the end of November. December bookings started very late, but we think it will be fine. In the past, people booked earlier because they were sure they could afford their summer holiday, but now people are more wary and thinking about where their next penny comes from,” said Nell.

Cape St Francis Resort manager Anita Lennox said the resort was fully booked for the days between Christmas and New Year, but that guests were generally booking shorter stays than before.

“People are definitely still taking holidays and we get mainly guests from Johannesburg. I think it will depend on whether people get their bonuses.”

In Port Alfred, Rugged Rocks receptionist Kerri Wesson said the beach chalets were fully booked from December 18 to January 5.

“It’s the same as last year – we only have one or two gaps this season, although it was quieter during the year.”

Haga Haga Hotel owner Neil Chemaly said the popular Wild Coast hotel was fully booked from December 8 until January 13. However, more guests have been paying off their holiday since the beginning of this year.

“Some guests put down a deposit at the beginning of the year and then paid off the rest before their holiday. People need to relax because it’s been a difficult year,” he said.

Umngazi River Bungalows in Port St Johns is 100% full from today until mid-January.

The luxury resort’s marketing manager, Molly Barkes, said the global economic crisis had worked in the resort’s favour since cash-strapped holidaymakers had forgone their international destinations for Umngazi.

“A lot of guests who would normally go to Mauritius or skiing in Europe have decided to stay locally,” she said.

“People may be booking shorter stays but this time of the year is family gathering time after long hours in the office and guests want to use it as a time to reconnect with family.”