Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille says efforts by a Presidential task team to attract holidaymakers back toThe task team, established in February, aimed to address declining tourist numbers caused by the 2021 civil unrest and water quality concerns at Durban beaches. High levels of e-coli, linked to sewage spills, were previously detected.
According to De Lille, the eThekwini municipality anticipates 1.3 million visitors over the festive period. “From February this year, everybody we’ve worked very hard, in the private sector, the tourism establishments, to get Durban and to get the province, ready for this season and that is the result that you see today. We see the South African Police Service, they have got a plan. Metro Police, we have seen. The hotels booking rate is sky high, it is rocketing, we are appealing to visitors to enjoy responsibly,” says De Lille.“Twenty-one of the 23 beaches are open for tourists, for visitors.
She visited Durban’s beachfront to interact with residents and confirm its readiness for the festive season.