KZN prepares for a booming holiday tourism season
Miriam Lekoba, Puseletso Khanyane, Tshepiso Khanyane, Poloko Khanyane, Omolemo, 5, Rorisang, 7, and Omohau, 5, at the tourism activation at Ultra City on the N3 near Estcourt.
Image: Supplied
KwaZulu-Natal is preparing for a high-volume festive season, with early booking patterns and on-route activity pointing to a strong end-of-year performance for the provincial tourism economy.
Officials say activations to further boost tourism are taking place along major travel corridors and across coastal and inland destinations.
An activation was held on Friday at the N3 Ultra City southbound in Estcourt, one of South Africa’s busiest holiday transit points. The activation, led by the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority in partnership with entities including Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the KZN Sharks Board, Msinsi Holdings and uShaka Marine World, served as a one-stop information hub for travellers heading towards the coast, the Midlands, Drakensberg and other holiday nodes.
The province’s festive-season projections forecast strong demand: an estimated 1 to 1.1 million domestic trips and around 34,000 international arrivals in December, with an anticipated R13 billion in visitor spend.
Pinky Radebe, head of PR and Communications at the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, said the province is intent on making its preparedness visible. “Research shows that December and January remain South Africa’s peak travel months, with KwaZulu-Natal consistently capturing a large share of this movement,” she said.
Durban’s year-to-date performance further strengthens those projections. Between January and May 2025, the city recorded 2.8 million domestic trips and 186,000 international arrivals, contributing more than R5 billion to the metro economy. Forward indicators point to continued growth into early 2026, with forecasts of 4.3 million domestic trips and 387,155 international arrivals between January and June, expected to generate more than R13.4 billion.
Occupancy trends also signal solid momentum. Non-hotel accommodation is rising across districts, with Durban “tracking above 70 percent” for the festive peak.
Municipalities such as uMkhanyakude, iLembe and Ugu are reporting occupancy is “above 80 percent for the peak Christmas and New Year period.”
Provincial averages stand at 61 percent for the week of 15 December, 77 percent for the week of 22 December and about 65 percent for the week beginning 29 December.
Tourism entities used the Estcourt activation to underline their readiness. Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife highlighted updated trails, improved accommodation and strengthened safety protocols across provincial reserves.
“Our Drakensberg and other nature reserves will see high footfall this December, and our teams are fully prepared for increased visitor activity,” said Siphelele Luthuli, senior manager: Sales and Marketing Commercial Services.
Coastal authorities have also reinforced daily operational measures. The KZN Sharks Board, responsible for shark-safety gear across 37 bathing beaches, has increased maintenance and emergency readiness.
Acting marketing manager Nombuso Ngubane said: “Our main mandate is bather protection… Those boats belong to us. When they are out at sea, they are basically doing maintenance on our shark safety gear.” Teams conduct weekday servicing and replace damaged nets immediately.
UShaka Marine World expects to grow visitor numbers by at least 10 percent this summer. PR manager Thandeka Mogomolo said the park anticipates “over a hundred thousand” visitors between December and January 12.
Champagne Sports Resort in the Central Drakensberg is heading into one of its strongest summer seasons in recent years, according to general manager Gary Foster, who reports a notable uptick in early holiday demand.
“We’re seeing stronger demand this summer compared to last year. Early December bookings are up, Christmas and New Year remain strong as expected, and early January is also looking positive,” says Foster.
Domestic travellers remain the resort’s backbone during peak season, particularly loyal repeat guests. “Our occupancies are mainly driven by domestic families, many of them loyal return guests,” he notes. Although international numbers remain limited in December, the resort continues to see shifts in how local travellers choose to holiday.
Like many destinations, the area also faces pressure from road conditions and ongoing provincial roadworks. However, Foster remains optimistic about access improving once major N2 and N3 upgrades are completed.
Tourists arriving in Durban reflected the upbeat sentiment. Johannesburg visitor Dineo Mokoena said: “My two friends and I are going to Durban for the weekend. We have booked an Airbnb. This is our year-end trip. We are looking forward to the beach and to see the fish at uShaka Marine World. This is our third trip to KZN as a group… I love Durban weather and the place is just beautiful.”