Now that Durban has been elected as the host city for the 2022 Commonwealth Games, Head of Durban Tourism, Philip Sithole, foresees that key strategic projects, such as new hotel developments, a new cruise terminal and new international direct flights, will be given priority to be completed within the next seven years.
Sithole says Durban Tourism will also ensure that tourism establishments’ staff undergo comprehensive training ahead of the Games and that hotel staff will be trained to become tourism ambassadors. He adds that Durban Tourism will encourage grading of establishments and will provide workshops on fair pricing structures to ensure a world-class experience in the city.
Says Sithole: “One of the key focus areas in the next seven years will be ensuring that accurate, inspiring information of the city gets disseminated globally via all platforms leading to the main event and [to] ensure that the Commonwealth Games leave behind an invaluable tourism legacy for the City of Durban.”
eThekwini Council Member, Logie Naidoo, said the City was on track with preparations to host the major sporting event. “What is important to note is that 80% of preparations are complete. However, we still have seven years to ensure that we are fully prepared to successfully host the 2022 Commonwealth Games.”
The Games, which will cost R6.5bn (€428m), are expected to delivery up to R20bn (€1.32bn) in outputs to the economy, which translates to an estimated R11bn (€725m) Gross Domestic Product growth. The more than 200 000 local and international visitors are expected to contribute up to R12bn (€792m) in direct expenditure. Durban will contribute about R500m (€33m) for the seven-year period before the Games begin.
Charles Preece, KZN Fedhasa Operations Manager, warns that although it is a huge feather in Durban’s cap, the Commonwealth Games will probably draw fewer spectators from overseas than the Soccer World Cup did. “South Africa remains a long-haul destination and, as such, the expense of getting here is considerable. We should not fall into the trap of comparing this to an event in Glasgow, where for millions of potential spectators it was a short journey and an affordable one.”
How do you think Durban’s election as the host city for the Commonwealth Games will affect tourism development in the city? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
