ACCORDING to Time Out Worldwide, the city of Durban secured 14th place, ahead of Saint Helena Island (15th) and Barra dos Remédios (16th), cementing its growing global appeal.

With this upward trajectory, what would it take for eThekwini to advance to the top 10?
Eric Apelgren is a tourism advocate and founder of The MKhongi Circle, who spent more than 25 years as the city’s Head of International and Governance Relations. Berea Mail sat down with him, as he shared how Durban can keep climbing the tourism rankings. He is optimistic about the future of tourism, citing that the city has come a long way. He unpacks what the city can improve on to elevate itself further.

Also read: Durban shines on global stage with top 20 ranking for 2026

“Tourism in Durban is definitely on an upward trajectory because I believe it’s the convenience, the cost, and the variety that it presents to the local and international visitors.

“Three key things for me are for the city to push variety, safety, and quality of tourism. That would raise the current ranking. Durban has a lion’s share of tourism, and we need to escalate that as an added value. And the fact that we’re a cost effective destination compared to other cities, that’s a very powerful thing,” Apelgren said.

He suggested that the city have more direct flights. “The Western countries are excited, and are expanding their interest. Fewer flight connections will push international tourism further up; tourists don’t want long hauls.

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“With 300 days of sunlight, eThekwini, and KwaZulu-Natal at large, has lots of authentic experiences, up-market sites, and safaris. Visitors are sure to be spiritually and physically uplifted. With that said we undersell lots of things and don’t package properly. Partnership between local tour guides and agencies with international agencies is where collaboration needs to happen more.”

He highlights that local heritage sites need to be kept revitalised and more tourist-friendly. “As much as these beautiful sights have great storytellers and guides, some are not easily accessible for tourist buses,” he adds.

He cautioned against action taken against foreigners in the country. “These actions may be targeted to illegal foreign nationals; however, the outside world may view it as xenophobia, hence limiting the interest to visit. The campaigns need to be well managed.”

He concluded by hailing township tourism, which he says has so much potential. “It should be more than just shisanyamas and lounges. “International visitors take an interest in local stories, history and experiences curated by passionate locals.”

Apelgren’s top 3 tourist destinations:

1. Inanda / Shongweni Route (scenic Valley of a Thousand Hills and the Inanda Heritage Route)
2. The beach
3. Umhlanga Rocks and the Ballito corridor, with an added drive to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve.

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