The eThekwini Municipality has recorded a 22.4% month-on-month surge in international visitors to the municipality in July with domestic visitor spending also on the rise.
These figures were presented during the Presidential eThekwini Working Group on Tourism Revitalisation Workstream 4 meeting held this week in the south of Durban, where stakeholders reviewed the city’s latest tourism performance and interventions to strengthen its appeal as a destination.
Data from South African Tourism shows that eThekwini recorded about 28 000 international arrivals in July, generating an estimated R83.1 million in visitor spending.
South African Tourism General Manager of Data and Analytics, Melusi Mngomezulu, said sustained growth at the current rate could result in significant increase in tourism revenue by the end of the year.
“If the positive trend recorded in July continues through the remainder of the year, eThekwini could see significant tourism growth by December.
“At the current rate, the city could close the year at just under R1 billion in international tourism revenue contribution,” Mngomezulu said.
He highlighted that growth provides a stronger indication of progress not only in visitor numbers and spending, but also in the broader revitalisation of eThekwini as a leading tourism destination.
International markets also continue to contribute to the city’s tourism economy, with visitors from the United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Saudi Arabia, United States and France among the key markets in July.
Together, these markets contributed R10.3 million, with France among the leading international contributors to eThekwini’s tourism economy.
Domestic tourism remains key driver
While international tourism showed encouraging signs of recovery, domestic tourism continues to account for a significant share of visitor spending in the city.
Domestic visitors contributed more than R830 million to eThekwini’s economy in July, representing a 19% increase from June and the strongest monthly contribution recorded so far this year.
The spending data also highlights the broader economic impact of tourism, with retail, restaurants, food and groceries recording the highest levels of visitor expenditure.
The figures highlight how visitor activity supports businesses and livelihoods across different sectors of the local economy.
The positive July performance comes as the municipality and its partners through the Presidential eThekwini Working Group on Tourism Revitalisation, continue implementing measures aimed at strengthening destination, improving the visitor experience, and unlocking the full potential of tourism across eThekwini. – SAnews.gov.za
