City shares festive season stats – R3.8b GDP and 7 775 jobs

DURBAN saw an influx of 702 735 visitors over the recent festive period, although the accommodation occupancy rate reached just 65%.  These were among the statistics eThekwini Municipality mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda shared during a media briefing held at Durban City Hall on Thursday, January 12.

Kaunda highlighted several signature events such as the Durban Jazz Festival, Fact Durban Rock and Woz’e Durban, saying these added to this year’s tourist attractions, along with a PSL soccer match between Kaizer Chiefs and Golden Arrows, as well as the rugby match between the Sharks and the Blue Bulls on New Year’s Eve.

“All these activities brought thousands of visitors to the city as the accommodation occupancy rate reached 65%. This translates into 702 735 visitors with a direct spend of R1.5b and over R3.8b contribution to GDP and 7 775 jobs,” said Kaunda.

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Kaunda also reported on crime and safety over the festive period, saying a total of 47 children separated from their parents were reunited within 24 hours.

“We attribute this success to the festive-season integrated safety plan which we launched with the provincial government and the release of the new police recruits of Metro and SAPS in December,” said Kaunda.

According to Kaunda, statistics on law enforcement between December 15, 2022, and January 11, 2023, revealed a total of 15 617 fines issued; 1 503 vehicles stopped and searched, and 70 compliance inspections to businesses.

Beaches

Ongoing beach closures due to high E. coli levels were a concern for the Durban business community ahead of the festive period. Commenting on beach closures, Kaunda said just 12 beaches were open for swimming during the festive season.

“As a result of the progress we have made in repairing our pump stations along the coastline, we have now been able to open more beaches,” he said.

Beaches now open include Point, uShaka, Addington, South Beach, Wedge, North Beach, Bay of Plenty, Toti Main, Brighton, uMdloti Main, Umgababa, uMhlanga Main, Westbrook and Battery Beach.

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“The beaches that are closed for swimming are Bronze, Country Club, Thekwini, Laguna, Reunion, Warner, Winkelspruit, Pipeline, Anstey’s and Causarina,” said Kaunda.

Kaunda added that 31 swimming pools are now open. In December, the City reported that 25 swimming pools were open to the public.