MMAs a welcome boost for Durban tourism

Durban - The 2016 Metro FM Music Awards are expected to give Durban's economy a R3.5 million boost, R1.5 million up from last year, says Durban Head of Tourism, Phillip Sithole.

Sithole said that the economic boost went beyond just the main events to include all the pre and post events, as well as exposure the city gets that encourage more people to visit and host events.

He added that the city is benefiting from hosting the MMAs and local government was utilising it to celebrate 16 years of democracy in local government. It would also help to promote key tourism points, by not excluding or being biased to townships.

“For example, the pre party will be hosted at Eyadini in Umlazi and an after party at Kwa-Max,” said Sithole.

He said that this was more than just the event day, “there are so many events building up to the MMA's the whole week”.

With all the hype around the MMAs, it is one of the biggest music awards ceremonies in the country.

Metro FM is the number one commercial radio station in South Africa and the percentage of listenership proves why.

Durban will be packed over the weekend with people from all over the country attending the awards.

“All beach front hotels are pretty much fully booked for Friday and Saturday,” said Operations Director at The Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa), Charles Preece.

He said that this was very positive, especially for entertainment avenues.

The 15th MMA's will be at the Durban International Convention Centre on Saturday evening.

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