KwaZulu Natal has welcomed 520 00 domestic tourists and 51 000 international visitors to its shores over the high season so far, and tourism authorities are ‘in no doubt’ that the province will reach its target of 760 000 domestic and 58 000 international visitors by the end of summer.

“We are pleased with the festive season figures as they reflect the province’s tourism performance over one month of our summer season and note that the province’s summer season draws to a close at the end of March. Therefore, I have no doubt that we will achieve this target,” said Siboniso Duma, KZN MEC for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. 

According to the Department, high-season visitors have so far injected R2.4 billion (€128 million) into the provincial economy.

At the beginning of December, Tourism KZN research insights estimated that average hotel occupancy rates for the province would reach 60% at Christmas and New Year.

From 19-25 December 2022, the average hotel occupancy rate hovered at 57%, but this increased to an average of 81% from December 26 to January 1, 2023. Initial low booking rates coincided with the closure of some of Durban’s popular beaches.

"We are happy that there were no major incidents that spoiled what was, undoubtedly, once again a memorable experience for our visitors. All entertainment activities which took place in different parts of the province were also a resounding success," said Duma.