Durban shows off what it has to offer tourists
Amidst the water woes, critical E. coli contaminated oceans, Durban showed off all it has to offer tourists in the hopes of attracting local and international tourists to its shores. Over the recent long weekend, Durban experienced an influx of visitors to the city attending various annual events.
The municipality said estimates indicate that there was a more than 65% occupancy rate for accommodation establishments. The direct spending expected in eThekwini is R120 million with a projected contribution of R300 million to the gross domestic product (GDP) and a contribution of 1 300 jobs, said eThekwini Municipality spokesperson Gugu Sisilana.
Statistics indicate that the highest number of visitors was from Gauteng. There were also visitors from abroad, including Germany, Belgium, China, India, Madagascar, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Ethiopia.
Most of these visitors were in town to attend the Durban Business Fair and Africa’s leading fashion event, the Durban Fashion Fair. Both events attracted more than 20 000 visitors, said Ms Sisilana.
“In addition, Durban continues to attract major events that contribute to the local tourism industry. Over the weekend the city hosted the National Heritage Day celebration at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu which was attended by thousands of people,” said Ms Sisilana.
“The event was led by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni.”
The celebration also served to officially kick-start the National Indigenous Games Festival at Hoy Park from September 24 to 30, in which all nine provinces were participating. The aim of the games, which Team KwaZulu-Natal has won on 12 consecutive occasions, is to showcase South African indigenous games, said Ms Sisilana. The games are held simultaneously with the Beautiful Things Craft Exhibition.
Ms Myeni said the city’s tourism sector is on the road to recovery.
“Our city is known for its capability of hosting major events and by the look of things, we are speedily returning to pre-Covid-19 numbers by being the continent’s events and sports capital. People still regard Durban as Africa’s playground because we have world class facilities as well as limitless experiences to offer from the sea, sand, outdoor adventure, sports, heritage, a township vibe, and vibrant nightlife,” she said.
She added that the city’s Sizzling Summer campaign, which was recently launched, is under way with Durban Tourism teams embarking on national and international tours to promote destination Durban. This is to ensure that targeted visitors flock to the city during the summer holidays, she said.
Ms Myeni also applauded the announcement on Monday September 25, that Durban’s iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium would host the MTN 8 final match between Mamelodi Sundowns and defending champions Orlando Pirates on Saturday October 7.
“Sports tourism remains a major contributor to the growth of the tourism industry in the city and we warmly welcome the news that the Moses Mabhida Stadium will once again host the MTN 8 final. We look forward to this exciting weekend,” said Ms Myeni.
As part of destination promotion campaign and in a bid to ensure that Durban attracts more tourists to the city, on September 10 Durban Tourism hosted a United Arab Emirates trade and media delegation. The aim was for the delegation to learn first-hand about Destination Durban and its many attractions such as hotels, tours, airlines and much more.
Ephraim Mbatha, founder of Qalakahle Lodge, a four-star graded guest house that has four branches, thanked the municipality for attracting big events.
“Our Durban outlet located in Avoca Hills was fully booked over the long weekend. These big events make our businesses sustainable. We are also grateful for other development opportunities such as the Durban Business Fair. I started exhibiting in 2008 and the platform has greatly assisted us in terms of networking and building a clientele base,” said Mr Mbatha.
