Durban’s new cruise terminal, which is expected to be complete in 2020, will provide the city with a much-needed tourism surge.

Recently, Tourism Update conducted a poll, asking readers whether they felt Durban’s new cruise terminal would boost tourism in KwaZulu Natal. 80% voted ‘yes’, while 20% voted ‘no’.

The Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA) concluded an agreement earlier this year, which will see the KwaZulu-Natal Cruise Terminal Pty Ltd (KCT) finance, construct, operate, maintain and transfer a new cruise terminal facility in the Port of Durban by October 2020.

KCT, a joint venture between MSC Cruises SA and Africa Armada Consortium, was selected as the preferred bidder for the 25-year concession project in 2017. The project will see an investment of over R200 million (€12.1m).

TNPA Chief Executive, Shulami Qalinge, said: “We are delighted to have concluded terms that will bring benefits to all parties, but most importantly to the City of Durban, and South Africa as a growing cruise destination. In doing so, we will truly be positioning Durban as a ‘Smart Port City’, and a world-class cruise capital.”

Representing KCT, MSC Cruises’ Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, commented: “It will also be a major stepping stone for Durban, paving the way for a bright common future for the cruise industry and the city… This new terminal will also help further develop Durban as an international tourist destination.”

Collin Thaver, MD of Southern Africa 360, believes the new terminal, will boost tourism to the city and beyond, as visitors may disembark and add another South African experience to their trip, such as a safari. “This will also open doors for local operators to offer more than just the norm. We see this happening regularly with the liners that come into Cape Town.”

Agreeing with Thaver, Adele Oelofse, Revenue and Marketing Manager at Ghost Mountain Inn in Mkuze, commented: “With the new terminal starting operations in late 2020, this will have a huge effect on tourism for 2020/2021 onwards.

Qalinge further mentioned that the terminal would have a positive impact on tourism as it would attract larger vessels and more leading cruise liners to South Africa. Qalinge added that the cruise season period could possibly be extended during the 25-year operational phase, resulting in economic spin-offs for the tourism industry.

Annual cruise vessel calls to Durban and passenger numbers are projected to increase substantially as a result of the new terminal’s construction, enabling the city to further develop as an international tourist destination.

With the construction of the terminal, KCT expects cruise calls to Durban to increase from 60 to over 150 calls by 2040, and passenger numbers to grow from 200 000 to more than 700 000 by the same year.

According to Oelofse, globally this industry saw more than 23 million passengers last year.

The project is expected to interlink with Durban’s latest work, extending the beachfront promenade from uShaka beach southwards to the harbour entrance, as well as the development of Durban Point Waterfront.

The new ‘green’ and energy-efficient terminal will boast a number of new features and facilities, allowing for simultaneous embarkation and disembarkation of passengers on multiple vessels. Parking will be provided, catering for an estimated 200 vehicles, with kerbside drop-off facilities for 12 buses, dedicated baggage drop-off areas, separate screening and temporary holding areas, as well as separate passenger entry and exit points.

In addition, there will be a retail component, multi-purpose training, conferencing and event facilities, as well as adequate space allocated for other ancillary services.

Oelofse said the new development, together with the upgrading of the Promenade, would show positive economic growth for Durban and KwaZulu Natal. “With easily accessible car rentals and transfers, it is easy for tourists to hop on to a transfer, or rent a car and explore KwaZulu Natal further.”

During the off-peak season, the terminal will remain active, having been designed to serve as a multipurpose facility. This will include a Cruise and Hospitality Training Academy, office space for Maritime tenants, and a fully fledged events and conference centre.

Speaking at the launch of MSC Cruises’ new offices in Sandton, Johannesburg, MD, Ross Volk, said the highly anticipated Durban Cruise Terminal would break ground this October.

Transnet SOC Limited Group Chief Executive, Siyabonga Gama, concluded: “In a few years, we will witness the rise of a much-needed brand-new cruise terminal for Durban. In its wake, jobs will be created, new technologies implemented and tourism numbers boosted for Durban and for our country.”