Municipality looks to boost GDP through tourism
The city had projected a 50% visitor arrival at adjusted lockdown level four if there had been no civil unrest.
IT is safe to travel and explore Durban.
This is the reassurance to visitors from eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.
This comes as the city continues with its vigorous tourism rebuilding campaign which is supported by increased security visibility at tourism hotspots.
Mayor Kaunda said this past long weekend Durban recorded 34 500 visitors, a direct spend of R46 million, GDP contribution of R113 million, and approximately 31 percent occupancy rate.
He welcomed tourists back to the city after the recent civil unrest caused reputational damage to the Durban brand.
The city had projected a 50% visitor arrival at adjusted lockdown level four if there had been no civil unrest.
The occupancy rate between 8 and 17 July was 19% – a loss of 31% in terms of occupancy rates. The actual economic impact in Durban was a loss of 50 000 visitors, R110 million in direct spend, R280 million in tourism GDP and 600 jobs.
To revive the tourism industry, Mayor Kaunda said the municipality has implemented key interventions to ensure a safe and welcoming environment that will see increased visibility of law enforcement agents at key tourism strategic points and zones.
These include the beachfront, airports, the harbour, local businesses, and shopping malls to mention a few.
“We are doing this in collaboration with local community partners and destination stakeholders such as community safety forums as well as urban improvement precincts,” said Mayor Kaunda.
For more information, visit www.visitdurban.travel or follow Durban Tourism on Facebook @Durban Tourism or Twitter and Instagram @DBNTourism.
