KwaZulu-Natal is heading for a bumper festive season, with tourism authorities reporting a strong surge in visitor numbers as the province enters its peak holiday period. The influx of visitors is expected to reach the million mark over the festive season and is projected to inject more than R13 billion into the provincial economy. Between January and May this year, Durban recorded 2,8 million domestic trips and 186 000 international arrivals, contributing more than R5 billion to the metro’s economy and signalling a strong summer ahead for destinations across the North Coast, South Coast, Midlands and Drakensberg.
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) head of public relations and communications Pinky Radebe said all indicators point to a particularly strong season. Research shows that December and January remain South Africa’s peak travel months, with KwaZulu-Natal consistently capturing a large share of this movement. Predictions are that between January and June 2026, the province will record 4,3 million domestic trips and 387 155 international arrivals, contributing a combined R13,4 billion in visitor spend.
“Forward bookings reflect the same momentum, with non-hotel accommodation occupancy rising across municipalities and Durban already tracking above 70% for the festive peak. The season is further supported by a strong cruise schedule, with 66 ships and approximately 110 994 passengers expected to dock in Durban between November and June,” she said. KZN Sharks Board acting marketing manager Nombuso Ngubane said beach safety remains a key priority.
Read Full Article on The Witness
[paywall]
“As the KZN Sharks Board, we do not only install nets to prevent sharks from reaching bathers, but also ensure they are regularly serviced so they remain defect-free at all times,” she said. Concerns were recently raised after reports that some eThekwini beaches recorded poor bacterial readings. The municipality said elevated readings at Westbrook, Umdloti Main, Umhlanga Rocks Bronze and Umhlanga Main bathing beaches have since been addressed, with the bathing zones reopened.
[/paywall]
