IT'S going to be a bumper festive season in Durban, as almost one million visitors are expected to land on our shores to enjoy a memorable summer holiday.
This year the municipality has embarked on an intensive marketing campaign to attract visitors from all over the world.
The socio-economic impact over the next two months is estimated at R2 billion for the City and the hospitality industry is looking forward to a thriving season ahead, with hotels anticipating a 85 to 90 per cent room occupancy. Various new eateries have recently been opened at the beachfront and this will contribute positively to the economy of the City.
Mayor, James Nxumalo said 2014 had been a very rewarding year for Durban and the City has a lot to celebrate and be proud of.
“This year international global giants have recognised Durban as the Most Underated City, The Coolest City, The City with the Best Pier and Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Destination. Our City is recognised as one of the best in the world and we are honoured for that,” he said.
Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre was also voted Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conference Venue and Durban is currently in the final round of the top 14 seven Wonder Cities of the World.
All systems have been put in place to ensure that locals, national and international visitors have a safe and enjoyable summer break, while they unwind and enjoy the lineup of world-class events that will take place in various parts of the City. All law enforcement agencies will be deployed at various areas within the municipal area to ensure law and order is maintained and that visitors feel safe and protected at all times.
The City has also employed 35 ambassadors known as Beach Buddies. These ambassadors will be based around the beachfront area and are there to assist with tourism information, as well as give directions and any other general assistance that people might need. It is important for parents/guardians to ensure that when they visit the beach, their first stop is at the nearest Beach Buddy where the child will be tagged with a wristband that contains the particular parent/guardian’s contact details. This makes it easy for the re-unification of the parent and child, in case they are accidentally separated.
For a parent and child who have been accidentally separated, the Municipality has also employed 36 child-minders who will be situated at gazebos marked “Separated Children.” The child-minders look after the children until they are reclaimed by their respective guardian/parent.
Additional lifeguards and pool guards have been employed to ensure the safety of bathers, and people should be aware that they should not swim during the night or after consuming alcohol. It is also crucial that people listen to instructions given by lifeguards and co-operate with them, as it is for their own safety.
To minimise the traffic congestion, roads leading to the beachfront will be closed during peak periods. Only permit holders will be allowed to drive through the boom gates into the beachfront. Residents and business owners who live or operate around the area can collect their permits from the Metro Police Station in Boscombe Terrace. Proof of residence must be produced. Peak periods are 13 to 17, 24 to 27 December and 31 December to 2 January 2015.
Public transport carrying passengers to the beachfront have been allocated parking at the drive-in site on Stalwart Simelane (Stanger) Street.
