ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

28 MARCH 2022


As the City prepares to welcome visitors for the Easter holidays, Durban Tourism is embarking on promotional roadshows to showcase the City’s winter holiday packages in KwaZulu-Natal. 


The inter and intra-provincial campaigns aim to promote winter season packages, including information on the City’s many attractions, through vigorous targeted consumer engagements. 


On 1 and 2 April, Durban Tourism will showcase local hidden gems to a group of tour operators from Mpumalanga, the Western Cape, and Gauteng. 


The interprovincial tour operators will have the opportunity to dive at the reefs of Umkomaas Aliwal Shoal, go horse riding on the beach, tour the historic Inanda heritage route, participate in Valley of 1000 Hills activities, experience Durban’s night life and the heartbeat of township experience to name a few. 


Local community tourism organisations will have the opportunity to present their products to the tour operators during networking sessions which will be held as part of the exercise. 


Meanwhile, the intra-provincial destination promotion will take place over three days starting at Pietermaritzburg’s Liberty Midlands Mall on 1 April, Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall in Richards Bay on 2 April before wrapping up at Shelly Beach in Margate on 3 April. These will target local tourists.


EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said destination promotion campaigns are critical to attract visitors in the city to boost the local tourism industry. 


“Projections show that double visitor numbers are anticipated for the Easter Weekend this year compared to 2021. According to forecasts, over 86 000 holidaymakers are expected to flock to Durban during the Easter period from 14 to 18 April.”



Councillor Kaunda said these projections indicate that anticipated visitor spend will be around R160 million and contribute about R400 million to the province’s gross domestic product while creating about 800 employment opportunities. 


Mayor Kaunda said plans and safety measures are in place in preparation to welcome tourists. Fun activities and adventures are lined up in key tourism nodes, including townships to keep holidaymakers entertained. 


NB: Media interested in joining the tour operators adventure on 1and 2 April can RSVP to Nonduduzo Ngcongo on email at nonduduzo.ngcongo@durban.gov.za or on 078 131 4618. Transport is available and will be departing from the North Beach Tourism Office on both days. 

ENDS.​