The eThekwini municipality has welcomed the official reopening of Hilton Hotel Durban as a significant boon for the city’s economy.

The five-star hotel closed its doors in 2021 due to COVID-related low demand and consequent financial constraints.

Mayor of eThekwini Cyril Xaba said the phased reopening of the hotel will strategically amplify the city’s business case when bidding to host national and international conferences.

“Apart from enhancing the tourism experience for visitors in our city, the reopening of the hotel will contribute immensely to job creation.”

Xaba said the Hilton Hotel Durban offers numerous benefits for business travellers:

• Close to the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), accessibility to the prestigious accommodation can be included in the ICC’s promotions to enhance business traveller confidence.
• The convenient location is an advantage for dignitaries and high-security risk patrons who will not have to travel long distances to reach business travel facilities.
• It is within the city’s prime meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) precinct including the ICC and the Durban Exhibition Centre.

FEDHASA East Coast Chairperson Brett Tungay said it is vital to have a high-end hotel attached to the ICC for VIP conference attendees.

Additionally, the Inner-City Regeneration Programme, aiming to attract investment in the city, is also beginning to yield positive results, Xaba pointed out.