Tourists are returning to Durban: Here’s the reason

The eThekwini Municipality has welcomed a surge in tourism, with international and domestic visitor numbers growing significantly and boosting the local economy from January to May 2025.

This growth demonstrates a strong recovery for the sector and reinforces Durban’s status as one of South Africa’s most appealing and vibrant travel destinations.

Rebounded impressively

The latest data shows a strong rebound in international tourism, with over 186 000 more arrivals compared to the same period last year.

This surge generated more than R750 million in spending, driven by significant card transactions and cash withdrawals. The Research and Data Unit of South African Tourism presented these figures during a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group (Workstream 4) last week.

The data also revealed that the tourism sector contributed R115.9 million during the Easter period in April alone, marking a 48% year-on-year increase. Top international source markets include Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States, underscoring Durban’s global appeal.

Easter holiday period

The latest data shows a strong rebound in international tourism, with over 186 000 more arrivals compared to the same period last year.

This surge generated more than R750 million in spending, driven by significant card transactions and cash withdrawals. The Research and Data Unit of South African Tourism presented these figures during a two-day Strategic Planning Workshop of the eThekwini Presidential Working Group (Workstream 4) last week.

The data also revealed that the tourism sector contributed R115.9 million during the Easter period in April alone, marking a 48% year-on-year increase. Top international source markets include Mozambique, the United Kingdom, and the United States, underscoring Durban’s global appeal.

Spending trends

Spending trends show that retail and dining lead the top-performing categories, fueled by leisure travel.

While traditional hotel stays remain popular, the data indicates that many domestic travelers increasingly prefer shared or self-catering accommodations, reflecting changing travel habits.

The eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele said this strong performance highlights the need for ongoing investment in tourism marketing, seasonal campaigns, and infrastructure that supports both leisure and business travel.

“These results are not just encouraging – they are a clear signal that our strategic investments in tourism are paying off. Durban is not only bouncing back; we are setting the pace for tourism recovery in South Africa.

“We remain fully committed to enhancing visitor experiences, expanding our offerings, and ensuring that Durban continues to thrive as a world-class destination for both leisure and business travel,” Mbhele said.