The Balalaika hotel in Johannesburg is breaking new ground, focusing on opportunities for hearing-impaired workers.

Travel agencies say top-tier hotels and rental cars in Johannesburg and Cape Town have been booked out as dignitaries prepare to enter the country.

A report into the South African hospitality sector predicts recovery and growth, with the first gain in hotel occupancy being recorded since 2007.

Three Hatrkorp Group hotels on the Garden Route are to be sold at an auction — a sign that the hotel industry is under severe pressure.