EThekwini’s Tourism Revitalisation Efforts Commended

EThekwini Municipality has welcomed the positive outcomes of the Presidential eThekwini Working Group Tourism Revitalisation Workstream 4 meeting, which reaffirmed Durban’s growing reputation as one of South Africa’s leading tourism and business events destinations.

The meeting reflected on the significant progress made by the City in implementing tourism revitalisation initiatives.

Durban was recognised for successfully hosting major local and international events, particularly during the winter season, which continue to attract thousands of visitors and stimulate economic growth.

The Workstream noted that Durban has maintained strong momentum in destination marketing, both domestically and internationally, ensuring that the City remains visible and competitive in key tourism markets.

These sustained marketing efforts are contributing to increased visitor confidence while reinforcing the message that Durban is open for business.

The meeting further acknowledged the City’s continued success in attracting Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, a sector that remains a key driver of tourism growth, investment and job creation.

While celebrating these achievements, members of the Workstream committed to working collaboratively to address tourism-related challenges in the southern parts of Durban, ensuring that tourism development and visitor experiences are strengthened across all regions of the Municipality.

Safety and security interventions were highlighted as a key contributor to Durban’s tourism success.

Progress was reported on the work of the Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit, whose specialised operations continue to enhance safety and security along the City’s coastline.

Key tourism safety achievements highlighted during the meeting included increased arrests through estuary policing operations, the use of the Gillnet App to identify illegal fishing hotspots, the removal of more than 2 700 vagrants from the dunes to improve the cleanliness, safety and appeal of public spaces, and ongoing multidisciplinary law enforcement operations involving various agencies to combat crime and protect tourism assets along the coastline.

The meeting also noted that security planning has been significantly intensified ahead of the upcoming SADC Summit, with advanced policing operations and coordinated safety measures being implemented to ensure the City is fully prepared to host delegates and visitors.

EThekwini Municipality remains committed to working with government, industry stakeholders and law enforcement agencies to sustain tourism growth, enhance visitor safety and position Durban as Africa’s premier tourism, events and investment destination.