THE Mayoral Tourism Trade Stakeholder Engagement Breakfast today with Mayor Cyril Xaba engaged tourism sector stakeholders to solicit their input on how eThekwini can support the growth and development of the tourism sector.

The Mayor and his leadership were joined by representatives of the tourism industry, including artists, leisure, community tourism organisations, hospitality and tour operators.

Addressing the stakeholders, Xaba said, “The leadership of eThekwini Municipality is committed to working with the tourism industry to develop a roadmap that promotes a tourism sector that creates jobs, while empowering and benefiting communities.

“We need to look for innovative ways to build tourism infrastructure that draws visitors to the city, and we are under no illusion that such an undertaking will require major investment. So, we must think outside the box and come up with tangible proposals on how we can work together to build new tourism products.”

Chairperson of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry: Tourism Forum, Samantha Croft, hailed the city of Durban for overcoming dark episodes ie Covid-19, unrest and floods. She reckons there is clear and visible movement in tourism; however, she appealed for more and sustainable business opportunities, beyond leisure.

Community Tourism Organisations proposed the addition of more precincts, as they add more value and attract more visitors. They also suggested that the Sizakala Centres be used as tourism centres to allow locals to access information about products and destinations in townships.

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