AS the festive season gets underway KwaZulu-Natal is bracing itself for an influx of millions of visitors who are expected to inject billions of rands into the local economy.
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said that last weekend Durban had 113 000 visitors and 68 000 of them stayed overnight.
"The direct spend was R463 million. The contribution to the GDP was R1.145 billion. These figures demonstrate that Durban remains the premier holiday destination.
"Our hotel occupancy rate was 72%, with the market demand concentrated in the northern areas and the beachfront," said Xaba.
The mayor said that as they prepare for the Christmas and New Year’s eve celebrations, they’re aiming for a 75% hotel occupancy rate, and 1.3 million visitors. The city was also hoping that cash flush holidaymakers would translate to a direct spend of R2.5 billion, and a GDP contribution of R6.3 billion.
"From December 1 to 17, our beaches received thousands of bathers and the reports we have received from our paying pools is that over 700 000 people visited our swimming pools. Close to 800 children who were separated from their guardians were reunited with families in a short period of time.
"We call upon beachgoers to continue to cooperate with lifeguards by swimming in designated areas and on stipulated times. We want to assure you that our lifeguards, pool attendants and law enforcement authorities will continue to be hard at work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of visitors during this period," said Xaba.
He said several multidisciplinary law enforcement operations were conducted, resulting in 112 arrests for drunk driving and over 7000 charges ranging from unroadworthy vehicles and other traffic offences.
Mduduzi Ncalane, eThekwini Municipality’s communications manager, said 21 beaches in Durban were open and safe for swimming. They are Westbrook, uShaka, Addington, Battery Beach, Bay of Plenty, Point Beach, North Beach, South Beach, Wedge Beach, Thekwini Beach, Laguna Beach, Country Club, uMdloti Main, uMhlanga Main, Bronze Beach, Umgababa, Brighton Beach, Winkelspruit, Toti Main Beach, Pipeline Beach and Warner Beach.
"Reunion and Anstey’s beaches remain closed due to infrastructure failures caused by vandalism and illegal sewer connections.
"Water testing is conducted fortnightly. Additionally, daily monitoring is carried out at all hotspots that could potentially impact the beaches. On alternate weeks, when eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS) is not sampling, uMngeni-uThukela Water collects samples from at least one major beach per region—covering the northern, central, and southern areas. EWS also collaborates with uMhlanga's Urban Improvement Precinct (UIP) for joint monitoring, with UIP sending their samples to a laboratory of their choice," said Ncalane.
He said a number of festive season events are taking place throughout the city.
"This is aimed at creating an atmospheric experience for all visitors who will descend on our city these coming holidays and to profile and promote the tourism precincts," said Ncalane.
A series of concerts and beach festivals will take place across the province.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said they were anticipating bumper numbers this year, with 80% of their holiday accommodation already booked.
"A major reason for this is the fact that we’ve retained our title of having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, with more added to the programme for the 2024/2025 year. In the last week of 2022, Ugu District came out tops provincially with a 97% occupancy rate, with the district coming in second in 2023. We’re aiming to reach the top spot once again this year.
"Alongside our beaches, we have two world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks; 11 quality golf courses; great hinterland experiences including hiking and biking trails, cultural excursions, and adventure activities. We’re encouraging visitors to ‘embrace summer’ on the KZN South Coast where there’s something for everyone," said Sibiya.
The KwaDukuza Municipality on the north coast said it had already seen an increase in accommodation bookings compared to last year and anticipates an 85% occupancy rate this season.