Paul Kirk
Delegates and observers attending the World Conference against Racism in Durban at the end of the month are being charged more than twice the going rate for accommodation in the city.
A visit to the United Nations-run conference website showed Durban-based company Turners Conferences has been appointed the agent to arrange accommodation for all countries attending the conference.
On the UN website potential delegates are asked to download an accommodation booking form from Turners Conferences. Delegates are offered various forms of accommodation, starting at R400 a night for the cheapest bed-and-breakfast establishment.
However, a quick trip to two Internet sites bedandbreakfast. co.za and cheapnights.com revealed that this was more than twice the going rate for such accommodation. Most upmarket bed-and-breakfast establishments charge R170 to R180 a night.
A foreign journalist said he was aghast at the prices being asked for a room in Durban during the conference and decided to make his own arrangements. Although his inquiries revealed most accommodation is fully booked, there are still vacant rooms.
After being quoted R1000 a night for a hotel room in Amanzimtoti about 45 minutes’ drive from Durban he was able to book a bed and breakfast for less than one-third the going rate in Durban North.
Foreign diplomatic missions also expressed surprise at the prices quoted. A diplomat, who asked not to be named, claimed he could stay in a New York hotel for far less.
He also expressed amazement that he was told he would have to stay in Pietermaritzburg nearly an hour’s drive from Durban.
Compounding the problem is the fact that delegates are being forced to book for a minimum of 10 days even though some have no wish to stay for the entire conference.
Dudley Randall, managing director of Turners Conferences, was out of his office when the Mail & Guardian called asking for comment. He was not expected back until Saturday.
Randall was quoted by Business Day on Thursday as dismissing claims that accommodation was being let out at double the normal rate, saying that in peak periods hotels charge advertised rates.