Durban records bumper festive season as visitor numbers and tourism spend surge

The eThekwini Municipality recorded its strongest festive season in years, welcoming 6.8 million visitors to Durban’s beaches and promenade between 1 December and 12 January 2026, Mayor Cyril Xaba revealed on Thursday.

Xaba unveiled the figures for the 2025/2026 festive season during a media editors’ engagement, saying the city’s beaches, pools and tourism attractions experienced exceptional demand over the holiday period.

“With all beaches operational, the City welcomed thousands of visitors during the festive season, with many areas reaching full capacity as holidaymakers enjoyed Durban’s warm summer weather," he said.

"Our beaches recorded over 6.8 million visitors, including swimmers and promenade users, from 1 December to 12 January 2026. At our 43 municipal swimming pools, we recorded more than 1.2 million bathers.”

Xaba said safety remained a top priority, with dedicated lifeguards and emergency services placed on high alert throughout the festive season. They responded swiftly to several rescues involving swimmers caught in challenging conditions, ensuring that incidents were managed effectively and lives were safeguarded.

More than 2 000 law enforcement officers were deployed for day and night patrols on major freeways, the beachfront, shopping centres and identified crime hotspots. These efforts were supported by a network of more than 500 CCTV cameras across the city.

To encourage visitors to extend their stays, the municipality expanded its tourism offering, hosting 23 signature events across Durban.

Xaba said the reinstatement of the New Year’s Eve fireworks along the beachfront and the successful hosting of Durban’s New Year Carnival on 2 January were among the highlights.

“In addition to hosting 23 signature events across the City, we reinstated the New Year’s Eve fireworks display along the beachfront and successfully hosted Durban’s New Year Carnival on 2 January. These events will now form part of our annual calendar, as they promote unity and social cohesion while stimulating economic activity.”

Xaba added that they are pleased to report a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to 2024.

“Preliminary figures indicate that the City welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors, up from 998 000 last year - a 19% increase. Accommodation occupancy rose to 77%, from 72% in 2024. Direct tourism spend increased from R2.2 billion to R2.7bn, reflecting a 24% increase.”

Xaba said that the sector’s GDP contribution grew from R5.5bn to R9.6bn, creating over 14 000 job opportunities. “These figures reaffirm tourism as a key driver of our local economy.”

Xaba added that dedicated lifeguards and emergency services remained on high alert throughout the festive season, responding swiftly to several rescues involving swimmers caught in challenging conditions.

“Their professionalism, vigilance, and teamwork ensured that incidents were managed effectively, safeguarding lives and maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment along our coastline.”

Xaba said that the City’s beach guides issued 275 000 wristbands to children, and 1 855 children who were separated from their parents were successfully reunited within 24 hours.

“To maintain cleanliness, the City implemented a comprehensive Waste Management Plan, which included the deployment of additional cleaning teams, structured shift systems, and roving teams. These measures ensured a clean, safe, and welcoming coastline.”

Xaba added that next month eThekwini will celebrate the launch of a new airline route between King Shaka International Airport and Saint-Pierre Pierrefonds Airport in Reunion Island, with the inaugural flight scheduled for 27 February 2026.

“Durban continues to attract internationally renowned artists. We are pleased that Anthony Hamilton will perform live in Durban on 28 February 2026, followed by Bryan Adams in March and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in June 2026. These performances enhance Durban’s cultural appeal, drive tourism, and support local businesses.”

BUSINESS REPORT