By MALUNGELO BOOI
Daily Dispatch
20 February 2008
COMPETITION in the accommodation sector in Mthatha is becoming increasingly tough as guest houses mushroom.
According to the Eastern Cape Tourism Board (ECTB) database, there are 52 guest houses and bed and breakfasts in Mthatha. But those in the sector claim that the figure could even be higher.
Pinky Somhlahlo, a key role player in the sector, said there was a great demand for accommodation.
“The fact that in the past there weren’t enough beds prompted some of us to open guest houses.
“Also, the development currently taking place in the city has increased the demand for accommodation,” said Somhlahlo, a recipient of the Entrepreneur Award at Eastern Cape Metropolitan Awards last year.
Another guest house owner, Cathy van den Berg, said it was a popular small business choice because people are able to run them from home.
Another reason was that people do not need large sums of money to open a guest house or a bed and breakfast.
“People are tired of the corporate environment you get in hotels. They want a homely environment and something with that personal touch. And that is why they turn to these establishments,” said Van den Berg.
ECTB CEO Naledi Burwana-Bisiwe said having so many accommodation establishments was a “great thing” for Mthatha. “It shows that people have done their market research and saw the gap for this,” she said.
Article posted on 20 February 2008
Supplied courtesy of Malungelo Booi.
Supplied courtesy of Malungelo Booi.
