AN EASTERN Cape resort is being investigated for saying a black child was not welcome, the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency said yesterday.

The 11-year-old boy was to have gone to the Lepel-Lê resort in Cintsa last Saturday with a 12-year-old white friend and his family.

"The white boy's mother said despite paying for a six-day holiday for two adults, her son and his friend, when she called ahead she was informed that the son's friend would not be allowed on the property," said agency spokeswoman Veliswa Mhlapo.

"The mother was reportedly told that only blacks who are workers on the site were allowed entry."

Mhlapo said agency chief executive Sybert Liebenberg had set up a team to investigate the resort.

A separate incident was reported at a resort near Port Elizabeth earlier this month.

A report on the incidents will be made public on January 25.

Liebenberg said the agency would ensure that similar incidents could not happen again.

"We will not tolerate racism in any shape or form. We cannot tolerate this negative effect on the Eastern Cape tourism brand," he said.

But in Western Cape tourism is booming.

More travellers are visiting Western Cape and its attractions than in previous years, MEC for tourism Alan Winde said yesterday.

There was a sharp increase of visitors to Cape Point, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Boulders Beach and the Table Mountain Cableway over the festive season.