We will boost KZN's tourism figures, promises MEC Zondi

A BUMPER holiday season with a significant impact on the economy, the best since the Covid-19 pandemic struck in 2020, is anticipated by KwaZulu-Natal's tourism and government heads.

- SIPHO JACK

According to provincial forecasts, between 1 and 1.1 million domestic trips and 34000 international arrivals are expected in December alone, which is expected to generate approximately R13 billion in tourism-related spend, including a R1.3bn benefit to the GDP.

The positive numbers came to the fore during Tuesday's Summer Campaign launch event that occurred at the La Clef Boutique Hotel in Howick in KZN's Midlands.

"This year, the numbers are compelling," said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Reverend Musa Zondi.

"Between January and May, Durban alone recorded over 2.8m domestic trips and 186000 international visitors, injecting more than R5bn into the local economy.

"We are now expecting over 1.3m visitors in Durban this festive season - and even more across uMhlathuze, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala, and the South Coast," said Zondi.

The expected upswing in the province's fortunes, according to Zondi, was due to national recovery patterns, which showed that the country received 8.92 million international tourist arrivals in 2024, which was a 5.1% rise from the previous year.