Easter Weekend Looking Positive for Durban’s Tourism Industry:
By Fred Felton | Mar. 28, 2024.
Many tourists are expected to descend on Durban this Easter holiday, with hotel occupancy rates set to peak at 69 percent over the long weekend of 29 March to 1 April 2024.
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| The City is expecting a bumper Easter Weekend. | Photo: Fred Felton. |
This will see the local economy receive a much needed boost with direct spending estimated at approximately R2.7 billion and a GDP contribution of around R6.6 billion with 11 904 job opportunities created over this time period.
Projections show that there will be a steady flow of visitors to Durban over this long weekend.
‘’Significant progress has been made to restore key services that were negatively affected by the illegal strike. Our teams are working hard to address the backlog of services such as refuse collection as well as the restoration of water and electricity supply,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Mxolisi Kaunda.
There are a wide variety of family friendly activities available including a beach horse riding experience, gondola rides along the Point Waterfront, outdoor adventures, dining at restaurants around the City, and a township experience. The popular uShaka Marine World is open for a fun-filled water experience for the whole family.
Durban was recently named Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination for three consecutive years by the World Travel Awards.
There are several events on offer during the long weekend:
Joyous Celebration Megafest from 29-30 March at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
One Man Concert – on 30 March at the Durban Exhibition Centre
Durban Summer Break – on 6 April at uShaka Beach
This is also the time that the cruise season kicks off with several vessels expected to dock at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. This includes the MSC Virtuosa, who will be coming to Durban for the first time as part of her journey as she returns to Europe. Passengers will disembark for a tour of local attractions.
Other vessels that are expected to dock in the last week of March and during April include Queen Mary 2, Fantasia-class, Ambience, Silver Cloud and Renaissance.
Durban Tourism will also provide entertainment and outdoor activations from 29 March to 1 April at various venues including: Florida Road, uShaka Main Beach, uMhlanga Beach, Amanzimtoti Beach and Shongweni Farmers Market.
‘’We remain open for business and ready to welcome visitors. We hope the momentum from this Easter weekend will continue as we move towards the winter period,’’ noted Mayor Kaunda.
For more ideas to explore Durban go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media platforms.
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Quick Durban KwaZulu-Natal Fact: Climate – KwaZulu-Natal has a varied, yet verdant climate, thanks to diverse, complex topography. Generally, the coast is subtropical with inland regions becoming progressively colder. Durban, on the south coast, has an annual rainfall of 1009mm, with daytime maxima peaking from January to March at 28°C (min: 21°C), dropping to daytime highs from June to August of 23°C (min: 11°C). Temperature drops towards the hinterland, with Pietermaritzburg being similar in the summer, but much cooler in the winter. Ladysmith in the Tugela River Valley reaches 30°C in the summer, but may drop below freezing point on winter evenings. The Drakensberg can experience heavy winter snow, with light snow occasionally experienced on the highest peaks in summer. The Zululand north coast has the warmest climate and highest humidity.
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