KZN expects over one million visitors and R13-bn boost this festive season
KwaZulu-Natal is preparing to host its most significant summer tourism season since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, with provincial forecasts predicting between 1 and 1.1 million domestic trips and 34 000 international arrivals in December alone.
This upswing is expected to generate R13 billion in tourism-related spend, including a direct contribution of R1.3bn to GDP and an estimated R3.8bn in total economic impact.
“This year, the numbers are compelling,” said Reverend Musa Zondi, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA).
“Between January and May, Durban alone recorded over 2.8 million domestic trips and 186 000 international visitors, injecting more than R5bn into the local economy. We are now expecting over 1.3 million visitors in Durban this festive season – and even more across uMhlathuze, iLembe, uMgungundlovu, Harry Gwala and the South Coast.”
The province’s summer tourism launch was celebrated at La Clef Boutique Hotel in the Midlands, with a strong turnout of tourism industry stakeholders, media, district champions, influencers and government leaders.
Record-breaking visitor surge expected
KwaZulu-Natal’s strong positioning this season reflects national recovery patterns. According to MEC Zondi, South Africa recorded 8.92 million international tourist arrivals in 2024 – a 5.1% rise from the previous year. “And in the second quarter of 2025 alone, arrivals surged by 15.6%, with much of that growth coming from SADC neighbours,” Zondi said.
This bounce-back is further supported by cruise tourism. The 2025/26 cruise season officially opened in November, with Durban port set to host 66 cruise ship arrivals through to June 2026. These ships will carry an estimated 110 994 passengers, many of whom will spend directly in the province’s tourism corridors.
“KwaZulu-Natal is ready. We will welcome some of the world’s most impressive vessels and a strong flow of international travellers who bring meaningful economic value,” Zondi added.
Durban leads the charge
With its well-developed infrastructure and a mix of beach and urban attractions, Durban continues to lead the province’s resurgence. For the festive season, the city projects more than 1.3 million visitors, contributing an estimated R3.4bn to the city economy.
These gains are reinforced by momentum in regional destinations. From North Coast to South Coast and Midlands to Drakensberg, towns are seeing spikes in bookings and footfall – showcasing a broadened tourism footprint across the province. According to officials, these developments are the result of both targeted investment and collaborative co-ordination.
Safety and service cornerstones
Interlinking KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism offering is a robust readiness programme focused on visitor safety and service excellence. Zondi noted that “safety is non-negotiable” and pointed to new measures such as the launch of South Africa’s first dedicated Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit, enhanced CCTV surveillance and Operation Shanela’s 3 739 arrests more than doubling the quarterly target.
“Our beaches are ready. Our coastline is protected. Our people are trained. And we are open for business,” Zondi affirmed.
Heritage infrastructure investment
The launch event followed an oversight visit to the Nelson Mandela Capture Site near Howick, which is currently undergoing major upgrades. Work includes the construction of new pathways, parking and interpretive storytelling displays set for completion in mid-December.
Bunny Bhoola, uMgungundlovu District Champion and KZN Tourism Authority board member, said: “The Mandela Capture Site is not only a beacon of our shared past, but a catalyst for future growth. As we strengthen tourism offerings and enhance visitor experiences, we create opportunities for local employment, enterprise development and community upliftment.”
Tourism as inclusive growth driver
The broader summer campaign aligns with the provincial goal of transforming tourism into a high-impact, all-district economic driver. Dr Sibusiso Ndebele, KZN Tourism and Film Authority chairperson, echoed this sentiment: “Tourism is not a side activity. It is an economic pillar. It drives jobs, stimulates investment and fuels local pride.”
Ndebele pointed to the recent provincial tourism conferences – one focused on municipalities and another on private sector alignment – as proof of KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to shared growth.
Ready to deliver
With major hotel investments like Southern Sun’s R1-bn beachfront precinct overhaul, upgraded infrastructure across visitor zones, and expanding cruise and air access, KwaZulu-Natal is entering the 2025/26 festive season with a unified message: the province is not only open but ready to lead. The New Club Med resort is also set to open within six months and bookings are already piling up.
“Our beaches are ready. Our events are full. Our hotels are buzzing. Our people are working,” said Zondi. “Welcome to KwaZulu-Natal – where this summer, there is so much more.”