Tourism Update readers remain divided on what’s driving the shortage of mid-market accommodation in Southern Africa with no single factor emerging as dominant.
Rising operating costs were cited by most readers (29%) in a recent poll – followed closely by the view that the mid-market segment still exists but is being overlooked (28%). Another 21% pointed to a shift towards luxury development as the primary cause, 10% cited strong demand but limited supply and 9% highlighted lack of investment in secondary regions. Just 3% chose other factors.
Airfare pressures
Rising long-haul airfares are emerging as a growing concern for the tourism sector with industry leaders warning, during a recent state of the industry panel discussion at WTM Africa, that access costs could affect travel decisions, particularly for long-haul family travel and multi-sector itineraries. While demand for Africa remains resilient, some operators say clients are taking longer to confirm trips or adjusting plans in response to higher flight costs.
Tourism Update would like to understand whether agents and operators are already seeing this reflected in booking behaviour.
Our poll question this week is:
