It’s that time of the year, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is going to turn up the heat with all it has to offer.
The city is ready, set, go, to host the largest horse racing event and the city’s tourism and hospitality industry are prepared for the scores of visitors descending on Durban.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July takes place on Saturday, July 6, at the Greyville Racecourse. Themed Ride the Wave, the horse racing event and fashion extravaganza is expected to attract approximately 45 000 visitors to Durban with 78 percent accommodation occupancy rates expected.
The city’s state of readiness was unpacked during the Durban July Grand Experience media launch on July 3, where the city’s plans and activities for the Durban July was unveiled. The launch took place at Florida Road’s Gordon Park.
Partner representatives from Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle said they are excited for the event, with all plans in motion to ensure a successful day.
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Thembo Ntuli said safety measures have been implemented to ensure the event and related activities occur seamlessly.
“Metro Police officers will be deployed around the Greyville area working with other law enforcement agencies. All intersections will be managed for traffic control with some road closures,” Mr Ntuli said.
“The projections for the economic impact on eThekwini from the Durban July weekend are far reaching. This is due to several events taking place. The direct spend is estimated at R271 million, with a total of R670 million contribution to the eThekwini GDP and a total number of 5 000 jobs to be created.”
He also highlighted the city’s successful Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) programme, which continues to produce rising fashion stars.
“This year, nine of our DFF rising stars will take centre stage and give spectators a taste of what is currently trending in the fashion space. Furthermore, six models groomed from our municipal model scout programme will be showcasing designers’ collections during the race day fashion showcase,” he said.
During the launch, the DFF designers briefly gave a teaser of what can be expected fashion wise on race day.
Mr Ntuli said as Africa’s leading festival and event destination, there is a series of events, township experiences, and activations lined-up over the July weekend.
These include Council approved destination promotion leveraging partnerships with various event organisers such as Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City, eKasi Durban July, Mojo’s July Weekend, eThekwini Jazz Jam, Artizen Durban July, White Party Lifestyle Excursion and many more.
For more information go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media.
