Durban nears pre‑Covid‑19 festive visitor levels – occupancy 75–80 per cent
Durban is close to matching pre‑Covid‑19 festive visitor numbers following a year of destination marketing, safety measures and storm‑damage sewage rehabilitation, according to Durban Tourism. Preliminary figures indicate average hotel occupancy rose to 75–80 per cent from 60–65 per cent a year ago, with visitor numbers about 2 per cent below pre‑Covid levels. Direct tourism spend is estimated at R1.9 billion, contributing R4.5 billion to GDP.
Beaches closed at the start of December were reopened after maintenance, and officials expect further gains as new investments come online, including reinvestment in a coastal amusement park and the restoration of the Moses Mabhida Stadium sky car. Industry feedback is strong, with Coastlands Hotels reporting 90–100 per cent occupancy at its two Umhlanga properties over the past two weeks, underscoring Durban’s renewed pull for leisure travel.
Source: SABC News
