There's lots on offer in Durban over the Easter period from Phezulu Safari Park to more than 20 eThekwini beaches that are open for bathing.
Image: eThekwini Municipality/ Thuli Dlamini
As Easter approaches, the eThekwini Municipality is preparing to welcome more than one million visitors for the long weekend, with hotel occupancy expected to surpass 63%. This marks a significant increase from last year’s 50%, signalling a bumper holiday season for Durban.
The announcement was made by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba on Monday during the launch of the city’s Easter and winter campaign, aptly themed ‘Endless Fun Season’. The initiative promises a vibrant lineup of entertainment and enhanced safety measures to ensure a memorable and secure holiday for both local and international tourists.
“Durban is ready to host you,” declared Xaba. “Our teams from Durban Tourism and Metro Police have pulled out all stops to ensure a fun-filled, safe, and incident-free long weekend.”
As part of the city's safety plans, additional professional security teams, armed patrol units, and rapid response squads have been deployed in collaboration with Metro Police. These reinforcements form part of the inner-city rejuvenation programme, which aims to enhance cleanliness and safety across eThekwini.
According to the mayor, the city is on track to attract about 1.3 million visitors over the Easter and winter seasons, generating an estimated R2.5 billion in direct visitor spend. The overall contribution to the GDP is projected to reach R6.1 billion, with approximately 11000 job opportunities expected to be created during this period.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba at the unveiling of the Easter holiday plans for the City
Image: eThekwini Municipality/Thulani Dlamini
Holidaymakers can look forward to enjoying 20 out of the city’s 23 bathing beaches, with Laguna, Doonside, and Winklespruit awaiting clearance before reopening. Major events on the Easter entertainment calendar include the Joyous Celebration Easter Mega Fest, the One-Man Show Concert, the eThekwini Surf Pro, and the Durban International Marathon.
Precinct activations are also planned across popular areas such as Amanzimtoti, Shongweni, uMhlanga, Inanda, and along the beachfront.
For more information on what to see and do in Durban this Easter, visit www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media.