The City of Durban is actively focusing on getting the business tourism economy back to its glory days, according to Durban Tourism Deputy Head, Winile Mntungwa.
She said the Durban International Convention Centre was gearing up to host the 21st International Conference on AIDS and STIs in Africa (from December 6-11) and the Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2021 (from November 15-21), which is expected to have representation from 54 countries.
“Hosting big events is evidence that the city is actively focusing its efforts on getting the business tourism economy back to full speed,” said Mntungwa.
“2021 has been a year filled with challenges and one that has changed the way business is done. Evidently, the hospitality and tourism industry has suffered a major setback in these trying times, as there have been strict regulations on travel to and from local and international destinations. Durban, however, has not stopped working to further improve the city’s tourism culture through it all.”
Mntungwa said Durban’s double win at the 28th Annual World Travel Awards last week – the city was awarded ‘Africa’s Festival and Event destination for 2021’, as well as ‘Africa’s Leading Meetings & Conference Destination’ – was testament to the city’s efforts in growing business tourism.
eThekwini Mayor, Mxolisi Kaunda, agreed. “Congratulations to all the nominees in this year’s competition. Furthermore, a warm congratulation goes to the Durban tourism team, the Durban ICC team, and the people of Durban for bringing these awards home.
“To be voted Africa’s winner of this prestigious global travel and tourism award is truly an amazing achievement, one that will remind our travel fans and community that Durban is still one of the best African cities and destinations to visit.”
The World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries.
