A splash for Durban to boost tourism

ETHEKWINI Municipality is expecting a tourism income boost from hosting the Ocean Racing World Championships 2025 between October 17 and 19, Durban's coastline.

- ZAINUL DAWOOD

Councillors gave the go-ahead at a council meeting yesterday for the municipality's Parks and Recreation to partner with the International Canoe Federation (ICF) in hosting the Ocean Racing World Championships for the next three years.

The municipality was also given the go-ahead to sign a one-year contract with Paddle Sport South Africa to ensure leverage of branding, destination marketing rights, and citizen participation opportunities.

Ethekwini stated that this was a multi-departmental approach between Parks and Recreation, Durban Tourism, and Invest Durban to provide financial and in-kind support for the event at an estimated R390 000.

The money will be used for:

■Athlete Transport bus hire (Durban Undersea Club (DUC) to finish line) - R60000.

■Security management internal event security hire - R30000.

Safety and compliance emergency procedures contribution R100000.

Tariff waivers and services venue provision, beach cleaning, and amenities R50000.

■Opening ceremony and VIP hosting venue, entertainment, and hospitality - R50000.