Gap in pre-Covid-19 local tourism figures significantly narrowed
KwaZulu-Natal's festive season demonstrated a notable success, surpassing the performance of the previous four years, as indicated by the KZN Tourism and Film’s preliminary Festive Performance Report for 2024/2025, which is significantly supported by international and national statistics.
PROVINCIAL preliminary figures paint a positive picture of the tourism sector. Officials say the gap in pre-Covid-19 figures has significantly narrowed, indicating that the recovery process is producing results, with eThekwini highlighting the most impressive delivery.
The most recent international arrivals data from Statistics South Africa indicate that the SA tourism sector is on an upward trajectory, reflecting a notable 5.1% increase from 2023. The African continent remains South Africa’s largest source of tourists.
Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, chairperson of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, said: ‘’This resurgence is slowly beginning to show. Our overall target is more international tourists, but our primary focus is growing the domestic market.
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‘’As we climb close to pre-pandemic levels in 2025 we realise that travellers may increasingly seek value for money and take trips closer to home in response to the challenging economic environment.’’
Referring to the preliminary report he said: “The tourism sector is frequently underestimated as a vital economic force, yet it plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and creating jobs. One of our successes during this festive period was that a stronger partnership was established with the security cluster,” he added.
Brett Tungay, chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), said this successful festive season was a clear indication that the KZN tourism economy has rebounded from the last four years and is now entering a season of positive growth.
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‘’We thank South Africans for choosing KZN as their preferred holiday destination. Fedhasa looks forward to continued co-operation with the government in the rehabilitation of infrastructure in KZN, that the tourism industry is so reliant upon.’’
Early projections for eThekwini Metro and Durban alone have also provided a significant reason to be optimistic. Total visitors for the region from December 1-January 16, 2025, is recorded at 815 956.
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