THE influx of 360 000 tourists anticipated by eThekwini Municipality over the Easter weekend is expected to generate R870 million in direct spend and inject an estimated R1.5 billion into the City’s economy.
eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede said more than 3 100 jobs are expected to be created and sustained as a result.
“As it stands, our hotel occupancy rate is sitting at an average of 70 per cent. We are confident that these numbers will grow as we move closer to the Easter period,” said Mayor Gumede.
She said they are optimistic that the various marketing efforts, to showcase the best Durban has to offer, will yield positive results.
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“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,” said Mayor Gumede.
She added that these new products will offer visitors a variety of choices in terms of places to visit, activities to do and adventures to undertake.
“Having a wide range of activities on offer helps to extend the stay of visitors to the City. This in turn has a positive impact on the local economy of the City with an increased spend from our visitors.’
The City also has a number of major events lined up over the Easter weekend for residents and visitors alike to enjoy.
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“Our message to those coming to Durban for the Easter break is to immerse themselves and enjoy everything the City has to offer. We have put together a number of enjoyable packages as part of our Funseason Campaign to ensure tourists have a memorable experience in Durban. To learn more about these packages they can visit our website. Durban is the place to be this Easter,” Mayor Gumede added.
Some upcoming events planned for the Easter weekend include:
- uMhlanga Tourism Easter Festival takes place at the uMhlanga Main Beach from 14 to 17 April. Contact 031 561 4257 for more information.
- Explore the Gardens Easter Egg Trail at the Durban Botanical Garden from 15 to 16 April at 8.30am. The cost varies from R35 to R90. Contact 083 627 7249 or e-mail: info@theeventcompanysa.co.za
- Handel’s Messiah at the Playhouse on Sunday, 16 April at 3pm. Tickets cost between R80 to R100. Contact 031 369 9555 or visit Computicket.
- Durban Picnic Day takes place at the People’s Park, Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, 16 April starting at 12pm. Tickets range from R200 to R500 each. Contact 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.
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