KwaZulu-Natal anticipates a bumper holiday season for tourism and the economy

A bumper holiday season with a significant impact on the economy, the best since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, is anticipated by KwaZulu-Natal's tourism and government heads.

According to provincial forecasts, between 1 and 1.1 million domestic trips and 34,000 international arrivals are anticipated in December alone, which is expected to generate approximately R13 billion in tourism-related spend, including a R1.3 billion benefit to the GDP.

The positive numbers came to the fore during Tuesday's Summer Campaign launch event that occurred at the La Clef Boutique Hotel in Howick in KZN's Midlands.

“This year, the numbers are compelling,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi.

“Between January and May, Durban alone recorded over 2.8 million domestic trips and 186,000 international visitors, injecting more than R5 billion into the local economy.

"We are now expecting over 1.3 million visitors in Durban this festive season - and even more across uMhlathuze, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, and the South Coast," said Zondi.

The expected upswing in the province's fortunes, according to Zondi, was due to national recovery patterns, which showed that the country received 8.92 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, which was a 5.1% rise from the previous year.

“And in the second quarter of 2025 alone, arrivals surged by 15.6%, with much of that growth coming from SADC neighbours,” Zondi said.

The MEC said the healthy flows in cruise tourism was another contributing factor. With the 2025/26 cruise season officially opening in November, the port of Durban was set to host 66 cruise ship arrivals through to June 2026.

The vessels were expected to carry an estimated 110,994 passengers, many of whom will spend directly in the province’s tourism corridors.

“KwaZulu-Natal is ready. We will welcome some of the world’s most impressive vessels and a strong flow of international travellers who bring meaningful economic value,” Zondi said.

At the same time, Zondi reiterated the importance of ensuring visitor safety, which was one of the priorities of the Summer Campaign.

“There would be no tourists if the issue of safety is not addressed. If safety is a priority, tourists will flock to our province.”

He spoke about recent initiatives aimed at enhancing safety, which involved collaborative efforts with the SAPS and local municipal police across various areas.

Zondi reminisced about his travels to Cairo, where he observed the implementation of a dedicated tourist police and suggested that such measures were essential for ensuring the well-being of guests, especially in bustling tourist hubs.

“In a large city like Cairo, where people from around the globe converge, the presence of tourist police is critical in maintaining safety,” he recalled.

The choice of the Midlands for the launch of the Summer Campaign was deliberate, as MEC Zondi indicated that the region had much to showcase.

“It is a beautiful area that is one of its kind,” he stated, emphasising that varying locations across the province would be highlighted in the summer activities, with the aim of revealing hidden gems throughout KZN.

He said last year’s campaign was hosted on the South Coast, which was indicative of their commitment to showcasing the diverse attractions within the province.

Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairperson of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, echoed Zondi’s sentiments, and mentioned the significance of places like the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.

He described it as a powerful monument for reflection, reconciliation, and responsibility.

“Tourism is not just about travel; it is about memory, meaning, and building dignity through place,” Ndebele said that continuous enhancements had happened at the site, like new pathways and signage.

Ndebele said the province had many other attractions for the summer season, apart from its numerous coastal attractions.

“Our beaches are iconic, but so too are our mountains, forests, and rural heartlands,” he said.

With hikes in the Drakensberg, relaxation in the Midlands, and encounters with the Big Five in inland reserves, Ndebele assured that every district offered unique experiences.

The aim of the Summer Campaign, Ndebele said, was to celebrate the possibilities.

DAILY NEWS