AS many as 950 000 visitors are expected to travel to Durban this summer season.
That’s according to the eThekwini Municipality, who in partnership with industry role-players, is gearing up for a bumper summer season.
Durban mayor Mxolisi Kaunda unveiled the ‘Durban Sizzling Summer Campaign’ last week, a promotion campaign aimed at attracting travellers to the city ahead of the summer season.
The campaign includes roadshows taking place across the country, where Durban Tourism will showcase the city’s many attractions and holidays packages, and it will be extended to national broadcasters through visuals.
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He said the City is continuing with rebuilding the local tourism industry and casting the light on Durban’s attractions and township gems.
“Our efforts of rebuilding the tourism sector after the floods are paying off and have contributed immensely to the increase of visitors to Durban,” he said.
Kaunda revealed that this year alone, Durban has seen an influx of 123 364 international passengers at King Shaka International Airport, marking a 126% increase from the previous year.
Domestic arrivals have also seen a boost, with a 22% rise, amounting to 2.1 million passengers, he added.
“The occupancy expected this year is around 62% compared to the 57% achieved last year. Furthermore, we are expecting a direct spend of R2.1b and R5.2b contribution to the GDP as well 10 000 jobs to be created.”
Regarding recreational facilities, the mayor said swimming pools located along the Central Beachfront are currently receiving a facelift and will be ready in time for the summer season.
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“We are happy that the Rachel Finlayson Pool has been operational since December last year. Construction of the Laguna Paddling Pool is complete, and we are finalising plans to reopen it soon. The site inspections are already underway at the South Beach Paddling Swimming Pool.”
He added that the popular Circus Circus restaurant on North Beach is currently being renovated into a stunning fusion of Africanism and Art Deco and is anticipated to be opened in October.
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