Heritage Day long weekend and Rugby Championship boost Durban's economy
EThekwini MunicipalityThe municipality said the long weekend’s activities contributed to a total GDP boost of R1.7 billion and created approximately 12,500 jobs.
Image: Durban Tourism /Facebook
The long weekend due to the Heritage Day public holiday and the Rugby Championship match between the Springboks and Argentina provided a formidable financial boost to the economy of Durban.
The latest stats from the eThekwini Municipality show that the Boks match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium provided a direct economic impact of R183.6 million, contributing significantly to the City’s GDP, which stood at R454.3 million.
The match and associated activities generated employment for 820 individuals and contributed an estimated R33.8 million in tax revenue. Hoteliers reported a 90 percent occupancy rate during the event.
Over the long weekend, there were 123,266 visitors to the city, of which 73,959 were overnight guests and 49,306 day-trippers.
“The cumulative economic impact during this period was staggering, with direct contributions reaching R695.4 million. Visitors spent R653.2 million on overnight accommodations and R42.2 million on day activities, further bolstering Durban’s economy.”
EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba emphasised the significance of these events. “Durban’s ability to host world-class sporting events demonstrates our commitment to economic growth and community engagement. The city continues to shine as a beacon of tourism, sport, and cultural diversity, welcoming visitors from all over the world with warmth and pride.”
The municipality said the long weekend’s activities contributed to a total GDP boost of R1.7 billion and created approximately 12,500 jobs.
Several key properties such as the Oyster Box, Southern Sun properties in both Central and Umhlanga, Radisson Blu, Aha Gateway, Umhlanga Apart Hotel, and Suncoast Hotels reported occupancy rates ranging from 97% to 100%.
Beyond the hotels, uMhlanga Village and Florida Road were buzzing with activity, with restaurants and pubs reaching full capacity.
Zai Restaurant in Morningside and Max’s Lifestyle in uMlazi reported high sales and busy venues, with many visitors coming from Limpopo and Gauteng.
Samantha Croft, chairperson of the Durban Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee and Operations Director for Southern Sun KwaZulu-Natal, noted: “All Southern Sun properties in Durban were at full capacity during the weekend, exemplifying the City’s appeal and the economic ripple effect of hosting world-class rugby.”