The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Tourism and Film Authority recently launched the province’s summer season on the South Coast, showcasing ongoing developments and preparations for the festive season.
Musa Zondi, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, led an inspection at the KwaXolo Caves and Adventures, where a R6 million (€315 600) renovation project is underway. The upgrades include extending the 1.06km zipline and improving the landing deck by April 2025.
Speaking on site, Zondi remarked: “Projects like these are crucial for enhancing rural tourism and providing unique experiences that draw local and international visitors.”
Key attractions and campaign highlights
The summer season campaign – themed “Magical Zulu Kingdom” – highlights the province’s cultural and natural attractions including blue flag beaches, marine activities and adventure tourism offerings. Zondi emphasised KZN’s unique appeal, stating “KwaZulu-Natal is rich in culture, history and natural beauty, offering experiences that are unparalleled.”
Other key developments include the installation of a King Shaka statue at King Shaka International Airport to reinforce KZN’s commitment to cultural tourism and uplifting local communities.
Visitor forecast and accommodation trends
Durban expects 1.3 million tourists this holiday season with 69 000 international arrivals and 613 000 domestic trips forecast for December alone. Visitor spending is projected to reach R2.2 billion (€115 million) with hotel occupancy estimated at 70%.
District-level occupancy rates show uMkhanyakude leading at 81%, followed by Ilembe (78%), Ugu and uMzinyathi (74%) and eThekwini at 61%. Short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, have also recorded steady increases for the December period.
Safety and infrastructure updates
Tourism and public safety remain priorities. Thamsanqa Ntuli, KZN Premier, recently launched the Provincial Integrated Safer Festive Season Campaign, which includes cooperation between law enforcement and community stakeholders.
“The deployment of additional police officers and resources will ensure heightened safety for tourists and residents,” Zondi said.
Measures include the deployment of 178 high-performance vehicles to crime hotspots and recruitment of 174 new staff for police stations with high gender-based violence cases.
About road safety, Zondi added: “Strict traffic regulations will be enforced and reckless behaviour, such as speeding and drunk driving, will not be tolerated.”
Beach and marine safety
The South Coast has seven blue flag beaches with five additional pilot-status beaches. eThekwini Municipality has reopened 21 beaches for swimming with updates on facilities and water quality available via the city’s online portal.
