By Nangamso Mabindla
20 December 2004

TOURISM in the Eastern Cape is showing steady growth, according to the Premier Hotel group's Sam Nassimov.

This is despite the stronger rand, which makes it more expensive for foreign visitors to travel to South Africa.

According to Nassimov, although the tourism industry in the country as a whole had not shown noticeable expansion, the province is feeling definite "growth as far as local and foreign tourists are concerned".

The Eastern Cape Tourism Board, says Nassimov, has done a lot to promote the province to potential tourists.

"I have already seen signs to promote the province in the media and I can feel the vibe," he says.

The Premier Hotel group manages the Regent Hotel Suites and Conference Centre on the Esplanade, the King David Hotel and the Mpongo Park Game Reserve all Buffalo City.

He bases his assessment on occupancy figures and the group's turnover - about R55-million - for 2004.

"Around R11-million was introduced by the travel agents of East London and King William's Town and the Eastern Cape, which constitutes almost 20 percent our business," he adds.

Darby Gounden, the acting managing director for Tourism Buffalo City, says the influx of visitors - as seen in those staying at the Premier group facilities - has a positive impact on the economy of Buffalo City.

"R55-million is a lot of money," she says. "We're happy to be associated with them [the Premier group]."