Airbnb can today reveal South Africa’s top trending destinations for in-country travel, with Queenstown, Mahikeng and, Witbank, in particular, attracting travellers in droves.
Ceres Zipline
Following a volatile few years at the hands of the pandemic, domestic travel is thriving, with bookings in the first half of this year up approximately 65% compared to the same time in 2019.
Locals are searching for hidden gems in all parts of the country, while the increased flexibility of remote work is also seeing people stay for longer.
The rebound in domestic tourism is good news for local Hosts and businesses battling increasing living costs. Half of the Hosts across South Africa say they host to afford the rising cost of living, while over a third say the additional income helps them make ends meet.
Mountain biking, hiking, trail running, kayaking, birding and exploring the incredible wetlands near Chrissiesmeer, Mpumalanga, South Africa, RSA
The survey also showed that rising costs of living are pushing guests to seek more affordable family travel. Three out of five guests said that booking on Airbnb saved them money and one-third specifically chose Airbnb because it saved them money.
The town of Queenstown in the Eastern Cape and Witbank in Mpumalanga emerge as hotspots, boasting amazing hiking and biking trails and a picture-perfect mountain backdrop for the evenings. Polokwane in Limpopo and Mahikeng in the North West province are close to many nature reserves, ideal for spotting the Big Five in their natural habitat and enjoying some of the best safaris in Africa.
Bakubung Game Drive, North West
For those looking to relax by the pool or play a round of golf, Middelburg in the Eastern Cape is ideal for a weekend break. Another standout town is Ceres, which is only 150km away from Cape Town. the region is home to some of South Africa’s best vineyards, with wine tours throughout the town and unique stays which can be discovered in the Vineyard category.
The top 10 list of trending small towns on Airbnb include:
- Queenstown, Eastern Cape
- Mahikeng, North-West
- Witbank, Mpumalanga
- Middelburg, Eastern Cape
- Polokwane, Limpopo
- Cullinan, Gauteng
- Brakpan, Gauteng
- Mankoeng, Limpopo
- Ceres, Western Cape
- Midrand, Gauteng
Make sure you also check out the ultimate things to do in Cullinan!
Velma Corcoran, Regional Director for Middle East Africa at Airbnb said, ‘It is fantastic to see South Africans embracing travelling domestically and spreading the benefits of tourism to all corners of the country after a tough couple of years. As many South Africans battle rising living costs, local travel is helping to support hosts and businesses in the community they call home. Airbnb was born during the Great Recession and once again, hosting is proving to be an economic lifeline for thousands of South African families looking to make ends meet.’
Picture: Getawaygallery
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