The eThekwini Municipality is strengthening its position as a leading international tourism and sporting destination, with new opportunities emerging in the yachting sector and preparations under way to host major international sporting events.
These developments were discussed at a meeting of Workstream 4 (Tourism Revitalisation) of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group, held at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani on Thursday, 12 November.
Stakeholders discussed the City’s tourism development initiatives, investment opportunities and readiness for upcoming international events.
Among the key developments is the YARE on Tour Symposium, which will take place at Moses Mabhida Stadium on 26 November. The symposium will provide a platform to explore the potential of yachting and the broader marine tourism industry. It will also position Durban as a destination for sailing enthusiasts, yacht owners, investors and international maritime stakeholders.
The meeting also confirmed the City’s readiness to host six matches of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027 at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. Durban is one of the host cities for the tournament and is ready to welcome cricket fans, players and visitors from across the world.
Community Services Executive Director Dr Vusi Mazibuko told the meeting about Durban’s capabilities after it was announced as South Africa’s preferred city to host the 2036 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Dr Mazibuko said Durban would make history as the first city on the African continent to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games if its bid succeeded in 2029.
He said: “Durban has demonstrated its ability to host major international sporting events and welcome visitors from across the globe. The city has the necessary infrastructure, tourism offerings and experience to support an event of this magnitude.
Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games would be a historic milestone, not only for Durban but for the entire African continent.”
The Workstream 4 meetings form part of ongoing joint efforts under the Presidential eThekwini Working Group. These efforts aim to speed up tourism revitalisation, strengthen partnerships between the government and the private sector, address challenges facing the tourism sector and open up new opportunities for economic development.
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