City of Durban and Durban ICC crowned at 2025 world travel awards
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Date: 2025-07-03 15:12:51

City of Durban and Durban ICC crowned at 2025 world travel awards

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
30 JUNE 2025
 
CITY OF DURBAN AND DURBAN ICC CROWNED AT 2025 WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
 
Reaffirming its status as a premier business tourism hub, Durban’s iconic Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC) walked away with the Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre honours for the 20th time at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony.
 
Held on 28 June in Tanzania, the prestigious event brought together leaders from the tourism and hospitality sectors across the continent and the Indian Ocean region to celebrate excellence, innovation, and leadership within the global travel industry.
 
The City of Durban also demonstrated its unwavering commitment to excellence, earning the title of Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination for the tenth consecutive year. 
 
This impressive record reaffirms Durban and the Durban ICC’s reputation as premier destinations for international conferences, business events, and exhibitions, solidifying its status as global leaders in the industry.
 
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the accolades underscore Durban’s strategic importance as a thriving hub for business tourism and international events and reflects the City’s commitment to delivering world-class service, innovation, and excellence in hospitality.
 
“We are immensely proud of this recognition. It reflects the dedication and hard work of everyone involved in making Durban a leading global destination for meetings and conferences,” said Councillor Ntuli.
 
Representing the Durban ICC at the gala, Chairperson of the Board Dr Mduduzi Bophela proudly accepted the award.
 
“It is a true honour to receive this recognition on behalf of our team, our stakeholders, and the City of Durban. Winning this award speaks to the consistency, professionalism, and world-class standards that have become synonymous with the Durban ICC brand. We are proud to contribute to Durban’s international standing as a centre of excellence in business tourism,” said Dr Bophela.
 
Durban ICC Chief Executive Officer Lindiwe Rakharebe also celebrated the recognition, saying: “To be recognised with this award for the 20th time by our industry peers and clients around the world is both humbling and inspiring. This award belongs to our dedicated team, who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service every day. We also share this victory with the City of Durban, which continues to rise as a dynamic, resilient, and innovative destination for meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.”
 
ENDS
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate.