DURBAN has added another feather in its host cap, with the announcement that the city will host the World Football Summit (WFS) in what has been billed as an all-KwaZulu-Natal affair. Durban was chosen among a crop of other global powerhouses which included Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Canada.
Making the announcement on Tuesday morning, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala said: “World Football Summit is the international event of football industry, gathering the most influential professionals in order to discuss the most relevant topics and generate business opportunities. It brings together 80+ countries, 2300+ attendees, 90+ speakers, 160+ clubs, 70% executives, 100+ media – with an estimated economic impact of about R800 million. We will in the next few months work with different stakeholders such as football teams and associations to ensure that we maximize the impact of this mighty summit which has to live a visible legacy in our sporting sector.”
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The estimated value of tourism business in KwaZulu-Natal is estimated to be in the region of R4 billion and over the next 10 months the province will host seven major conferences which is expected to generate close to R500 million for KwaZulu-Natal.
“We are indeed encouraged by the bold steps from the private sector to invest in our economy. Over the next five years, our successful entity, the Dube Trade Port is set to attract in excess of R18 billion in private sector investments. The second phase of Dube Trade Zone will measure 43 hectares and is set to house various business operations such as electronics, medical and pharmaceutical enterprises. The top level structures are expected to go up by 2020,” said Zikalala.
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