KwaZulu-Natal is set to experience an influx of domestic travellers this July, with the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) predicting a vibrant and bustling winter holiday season.
A combination of warm winter weather and an array of cultural experiences is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the province, culminating in a series of hallmark events.
“July is celebrated as Film Month in KwaZulu-Natal,” stated Sibusiso Gumbi, interim CEO of KZNTAFA.
“The province plays host to the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the Durban FilmMart (DFM), and the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on July 19. These events not only draw global creatives and industry leaders but also reinforce KZN’s reputation as a leading film and content production hub in Africa.”
KZNTAFA anticipates a 12–15% increase in domestic arrivals for the winter season compared to 2024, estimating around R500 million in tourism-related contributions in July alone, supported by more than 70 000 visitors across key events and destinations.
eThekwini Municipality is in full swing as it prepares for Africa’s largest horseracing spectacle, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, happening at the Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
With expectations for approximately 50 000 visitors and hotel occupancy rates projected at 80%, the city’s tourism and hospitality sector is poised for a significant boost. This year’s event is themed around celebrating cultural heritage and diversity, which aligns with the province’s rich, multifaceted identity.
eThekwini Mayor Xaba said safety measures had been put in place to ensure the event and related activities occur seamlessly.
“Our law enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the City with high police visibility, particularly around the Greyville precinct and other strategic sites across the Municipality.”
Xaba added that projections for the economic impact on eThekwini from the Durban July weekend were far-reaching.
“The direct spend is estimated at R278m, with a total of R700m contribution to the eThekwini GDP and a total number of 4 000 jobs to be created.”
Gumbi added KZN’s winter is mild and sunny, with coastal temperatures averaging 22–25 degrees celcius.
“While other provinces shiver, we shine, and this climate advantage ensures consistent visitor interest beyond traditional peak seasons. Our focus is very clear: keep domestic tourism growing.”
Siyabonga Mazibuko, CEO of North Coast regional organisation Enterprise iLembe, said the current trends suggested “not just a recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic years, but a growth”.
“The proximity of the North Coast’s iLembe District to Durban positions the area perfectly to benefit from the spillover of visitors, especially those seeking a more relaxed, scenic and family-friendly environment after major events,” Mazibuko said.
James Seymour, Managing Director of Cathkin Booking and Management Services, said that the Drakensberg region experienced an excellent Youth Day long weekend.
“Most of the resorts and accommodation venues ran virtually at full capacity. One of the reasons for this was the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the SA Championships held at Berg Air in the Central Drakensberg,” Seymour said.
“Tourists want wintery, snowy type experiences – log fires, scenes of snow on the peaks. Weekends are good, especially if there is a chance of snowfall on the peaks.”
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said they have had an incredible start to the winter season with the arrival of the Sardine Run.
“As one of our tourism calendar highlights, we have several Sardine Run events taking place, with the Sardine Festival bringing family-friendly activities to our beach from June 20 to July 20, and the first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival on July 26. The KZN South Coast boasts a wealth of outdoor experiences that make this a top destination.”
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