EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba conducted several walkabouts along the beachfront and key tourist attractions during the festive season. Looking head, Durban Tourism will be implementing a series of impactful initiatives designed to accelerate tourism growth.

ETHEKWINI Municipality proudly announced the findings of a comprehensive socio-economic impact assessment on the impact of the festive season on the City. The in-depth report, conducted by BDO South Africa, highlighted the significant economic benefits generated during the 2024/25 festive season, spanning from 1 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. The findings reaffirm Durban’s position as a premier holiday destination, delivering substantial economic advantages to the local community. The 2024/25 festive season resulted in a staggering direct spend of R1.95 billion within eThekwini Municipality, showcasing a robust demand from both domestic and international visitors.

The total economic contribution to the local economy was an impressive R4.83 billion, illustrating the multiplier effect of the tourism sector. The festive influx also contributed about R360 million in revenue to the government, further highlighting the important role tourism plays in local and national economies. This wave of tourism created or sustained approximately 8 716 jobs, offering vital employment opportunities for residents in various sectors, from hospitality and retail to transportation and entertainment. The job creation underscores tourism’s role as a crucial pillar of the local economy, providing livelihoods and supporting families. The festive season drew a total of 875 289 visitors to Durban, comprised of 447 832 domestic overnight visitors, 33 577 foreign overnight visitors, and 393 880-day visitors. A survey of visitors revealed that 79% perceive Durban as a prime tourist destination. Visitors engaged in various activities, with the top attractions being the City’s breathtaking beaches (73%), local eateries (69%), and shopping experiences (64%). Notably, 54% of visitors were drawn to uShaka Marine World, highlighting the City’s diverse offerings that cater to all ages and interests.

The economic impact assessment further acknowledged the significant contributions of major events held throughout the City. Notably, events such as Beach Paradise, Fact DBN Rocks, Anywhere In Your City, and the uMgababa New’s Year Picnic, played a substantial role in attracting thousands of attendees and contributed in driving the local economy during the 2024/25 festive season. The festive season saw an average overall occupancy rate of 69%, with hotels reaching 72%, a notable increase from the previous year’s 70%. Peak occupancy rates reached 91% during the Christmas long weekend, illustrating the high demand and the City’s appeal as a festive getaway. Looking ahead, Durban’s tourism sector continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with significant opportunities for future development. The insights from this report will guide the City’s strategic initiatives to enhance visitor experiences and maximize economic benefits for communities. EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said the City remains fully committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that the tourism sector continues to grow. For more information visit www.visitdurban.travel or follow Durban Tourism on social media platforms @DBNTourism.