Take a break, you deserve it

For most families the past year has been pretty hectic to say the least, with any thought of a holiday confined into a blurry background. The stress of a suboptimal economy and numerous escalating costs combining into a formidable frontal attack on us mere mortals from all directions, our energy and effort seems to have gone towards survival rather than recreation.

With spring finally upon us after a weary winter, it’s perhaps time to start thinking about spoiling the family with regard to holiday planning. No, it doesn’t have to beak the bank, the Eastern Cape remains tourisms best kept secret, from a local viewpoint, a short drive and we are able to enjoy a feast of affordable attractions on our doorstep, to those visiting from afar, the Eastern Cape offers visitors one of the most affordable holiday destinations in the world.

This is not advertising puffery or an exaggeration, our restaurants; accommodation establishments; game reserves and other travel attractions are not priced to service the international market, local tourism remains our prime income generator and prices are set accordingly with a few exceptions.  One of the most underused accommodation options is the rental of privately owned holiday homes, offering the tenant good value and home from home comforts at a level of luxury to suit individual budgets and from an owners viewpoint, an ideal way of generating an income from your asset, at worst contributing to coasts and if marketed correctly, offering and additional income stream.

“Beware of the pitfalls however…” cautions Alan Hawkins, CEO of www.staysa.co.za one of the countries leading holiday rental specialists, whilst great value for money exists in this market, holiday makers are advised to shop around and do their homework. Ensure that you ask all the right questions and give the professional agent all your requirements to ensure that they match these with suitable home, says Hawkins. It is in the interest of the agent; owner and tenant alike to ensure good match and a successful transaction, failing which an opportunity is lost for all concerned.

According to Hawkins, who has many years successful experience in the industry, the most common causes of unsuccessful arrangements is poor communication in the first place and greedy owners demanding unrealistic rentals. The economy is tight and disposable income limited, owners are cautioned to be realistic if they are serious about generating additional income. Rentals in the popular Eastern Cape resort destinations generally range from R1000 per day for an entry level three bedroom home to R4000 per day for a luxury home in a prime destination during high season, perhaps in the Port Alfred Marina or within walking distance of a prime beach location.

Most owners of second homes or holiday homes are unable to utilise these all the time and an opportunity exists to earn an income whilst these homes are not in use, this income is usually sufficient to cover the annual costs of ownership and can often be a very lucrative opportunity. For visitors to the region, the rental of holiday homes fulfils a need for holiday makers looking for a relaxed family holiday at a reasonable cost. Renting a private self-catering holiday home gives the family many options in a relaxed home-from-home environment. It makes sense for these two markets to find each other and co-exists on a mutually beneficial basis.

Mr Hawkins says that “days rented” dropped considerable during the last summer season by as much 40% but is positive that with the fuel price being approximately 20% lower than the same period last year and a significant drop in interest rates, interest will pick up for the forthcoming season. “The holiday home rental market in South Africa is relatively young when compared to international trends Mr Hawkins believes that the market is well positioned to grow over the next few years as we head toward the soccer world cup in 2010 and beyond as we benefit from the anticipated publicity during the event.

YOUR INPUT IS CRITICAL…….. Please send any travel tip or travel idea to travelbug@staysa.co.za and help fellow travellers to enjoy safe and happy travelling

Alan Hawkins – CEO

Staysa.co.za