LOCAL tourism is certainly on the road to recovery as this past weekend sporting events saw a full occupancy at the City’s hotels as well as bed and breakfast establishments. This resulted to an economic boost of over R5 million contribution to the City’s Gross Domestic Product. The total direct spend was around R2.2 million with over 2 000 employment created.

 

One of the major events which had an attendance of approximately 100 000 spectators was the 2022 ISUZU Ironman 70.3 South Africa, which is one of Durban’s signature events that leaves a long-lasting legacy, for both local and international athletes and in terms of economic spin-offs. It took place on 2 October starting from the beachfront to Suncoast Hotel. Over 2 000 athletes from all over the country and the world took part in this prestigious event.

 

The second one was the COSAFA Beach Soccer Championships held from 25 September to 1 October at the Durban Beachfront. The tournament featured teams from eight African countries who were occupying Durban hotels for the full week of their stay. The tournament was also televised live on international platforms, which contributed in marketing brand Durban.

 

Samantha Croft, KwaZulu-Natal Director of Operations for Tsogo Sun Hotels said it always feels good when things are looking up for the sector it really had it bad during the COVID times. “We had over 90 percent occupancy this weekend due to these two big events. This is a true indication that sporting events are critical for Durban.”

 

EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said this is a very encouraging sign, particularly as the industry has had to overcome the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Indeed sporting events and all major events have proven to contribute positively in boosting local tourism. For example, the Springbok and Argentina rugby game held on 24 September at Kings Park Stadium pulled in big numbers with people coming from Gauteng, Western Cape, England and South America. The weeklong Durban Business and Fashion Fair held from 20 to 25 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre attracted 21 000 people from various provinces but mostly from Gauteng.”

 

Mayor Kaunda mentioned that tourism is one of the key sectors earmarked to boost local economic growth because of its potential of creating jobs. “In the past financial year (2021/2022), the tourism and hospitality sector contributed more than R3.3 billion into the economy of the City. This economic activity has enabled us to create and sustain 6 724 jobs, compared to 4 918 in the previous year,” he said.

 

Therefore, Mayor Kaunda added, the Municipality will continue supporting the sector through its aggressive marketing drive to take brand Durban to all key source markets, new and old, as the festive season moves closer. “This summer season, we are anticipating over 900 000 visitors to flock to eThekwini and according to projections, the injection into the City’s economy will be more than R1.2 billion.”

 

ENDS

 

Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.