ETHEKWINI welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors over the festive season, leading to a R9.6b contribution to the tourism sector.

This is according to eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba who made the announcement at a mayoral tourism editors’ engagement luncheon last week.

Xaba revealed that preliminary figures show that the number of visitors to the City and its beaches is up from 998 000 last year, a 19% increase.

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“Accommodation occupancy rose to 77%, from 72% in 2024. Direct tourism spend increased from R2.2b to R2.7b , reflecting a 24% increase. The sector’s GDP contribution grew from R5.5b to R9.6b , creating over 14 000 job opportunities. These figures reaffirm tourism as a key driver of our local economy,” he said.

For the first time since the 2022 floods, all 23 of our bathing beaches were open and safe for swimming, including uMhlanga’s Main and Bronze Beach.

“With all beaches operational, the City welcomed thousands of visitors during the festive season, with many areas reaching full capacity as holidaymakers enjoyed Durban’s warm summer weather. Our beaches recorded over 6.8 million visitors, including swimmers and promenade users from December 1 to January 12, 2026. At our 43 municipal swimming pools, we recorded more than 1.2 million bathers,” he said.

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In uMhlanga, the beaches were the drawcard for the tourists explained Naomi Crous, chairperson of Umhlanga Tourism.

“Umhlanga experienced a very positive festive season. Restaurants, beaches, and local attractions were very busy. The influx of both local and international visitors provided a most welcome boost to the local tourism and hospitality sector.

“The beaches being opened played a major role in the success of the festive season. The beaches are the heart of uMhlanga and surrounding areas, and their availability restored confidence, encouraged longer stays, and enhanced the overall holiday experience,” she said.

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