DURBAN is ready to welcome an expected 360 000 visitors to the city over the extended Easter weekend.
The city expects to generate R870-million in direct spend and inject an estimated R1.5-billion into the city’s economy. As as result, says Mayor Zandile Gumede, 3100 jobs are expected to be created and sustained as a result.
“Our hotel occupancy rate is sitting at an average of 70%. We are confident that these numbers will grow as we move closer to the Easter period,” said Gumede.
“The hospitality and tourism sector play a big role in injecting billions into the economy of the City. There are also a number of new tourism products on offer in the City over the Easter period this year. This includes the Station Road precinct and a number of new restaurants in and around a number of townships and along the beachfront promenade,” she said.
The City also has a number of major events lined up over the Easter weekend for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
Some upcoming events planned for the Easter weekend include;
• UMhlanga Tourism Easter Festival will be held from 14 – 17 April at uMhlanga Main Beach. Call 031 561 4257 for more information,
• Explore the Gardens Easter Egg Trail will be held at the Durban Botanical Garden from 15 – 16 April at 8:30am. The cost is R35 – R90. Call 083 6277249 or email info@theeventcompanysa.co.za,
• Handel’s Messiah at 3pm on Sunday, 16 April. Tickets cost between R80-R100, call 031 369 9555 or visit Computicket,
• Durban Picnic Day will be held on Sunday, 16 April at the People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium starting at 12pm. Tickets range from R200 – R500. Call 031 582 8222 or visit Computicket.
Durban Tourism has put together a number of discounted packages from various product owners, for people visiting Durban. These can be found at the Durban Tourism website: www.durbanexperience.co.za
