Durban welcomes 1.3 million visitors for a thriving Easter holiday
About 1.3 million visitors are expected to descend on the city over the Easter holiday, bringing an estimated R2.5 billion in direct spend.
Hare Krishna devotees in Durban celebrate at the Festival of Chariots also known as Ratha Yatra.
Image: Leon Lestrade/Independent Media
DURBAN has welcomed an influx of visitors for Easter, promising an endless fun season.
About 1.3 million visitors were expected to descend on the city over the Easter holiday, bringing an estimated R2.5 billion in direct spend. A total of 837 officers were deployed on the provincial roads for law enforcement operations and about 27 satellite stations, situated at various places, including Van Reenen Pass, Gingindlovu, Jozini and Pongola.
Thania Dhoogra, N3 Toll Concession's chief operating officer, said increased traffic volumes were reported since Thursday entering KwaZulu-Natal with hourly volumes of approximately 1200 vehicles that headed to Durban.
eThekwini mayor, Cyril Xaba, said there were activities in all regions such as Amanzimtoti, Shongweni, uMhlanga, Inanda, and the beachfront.
“As the ultimate holiday destination, Durban is offering an opportunity to unwind and explore the fun and diverse attractions as we usher in the winter season,” said Xaba.
He said the municipality had developed a comprehensive safety plan, working with law enforcement agencies and tourism product owners.
Twenty out of 23 bathing beaches in the city are open.
Xaba said the city's teams were working diligently to bring Laguna, Doonside and Winklespruit beaches into full operation.
"As a proactive safety measure, we continue to test our beach water quality and results are published on our communication platforms," said Xaba.
Boosting the number of Easter visitors to the province are the thousands of members of the various churches, including the Shembe Church (Nazareth Baptist Church) and the ZionChristian Church (ZCC), who have pilgrimages, hold services, conventions, spiritual activities and retreats around the province.
Other events taking place is award-winning Joyous Celebration hosting their Easter Mega Fest at the Durban ICC, whilst the annual Splashy Fen takes place in Underberg and the 12th uVukile Gospel Festival taking place on Sunday and Monday at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre, on the lower south coast.
Along Durban's beachfront is the Festival of Chariots.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said the KwaZulu-Natal south coast was enjoying a good Easter period, following on from last year, where they saw 80% occupancy rates during this key period.
"With 100% occupancy in almost a quarter of establishments contacted. The fact that the KZN South Coast is home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province is undoubtedly a major drawcard for families looking for a seaside holiday over this time.
"We’re also home to the highest number of tidal pools in KZN, providing protected bathing for swimmers," said Sibiya.
Sibiya added that outdoor enthusiasts were spoilt for choice with their offerings for adventure tourism.
The KZN Tourism and Film Authority said not just the Easter weekend, but the extra week long school holiday at the end of the month was expected to give the tourism sector an added boost.
“Religious Tourism is a key driver for tourism in KwaZulu-Natal and KZN is the ideal destination with all the makings needed for spiritual rejuvenation. KZN is a popular destination for families looking for an ideal destination to take a short break during the Easter Season.
"With a myriad of family-friendly accommodation establishments and exciting activities and a three-hour drive from Gauteng or less from other surrounding provinces,’’ said Reverend Musa Zondi, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.
Brett Tungay, chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) East Coast region, said high-end properties were still doing much better in general than the three and four-star hotels in the province.
"Holiday establishments are experiencing about 80% occupancy, which is a boost to the province. Since December there has been a slow down in domestic tourism.
"Booking trends have shifted with many making late or last minute booking, which is unusual, but the tourism dynamics have shifted since the Covid-19 pandemic. We anticipate about 80% occupancy over the next three long weekends," said Tungay.
James Seymour, managing director of Cathkin Booking and Management Services, said the special school days off would have a positive impact on the tourism flow to the Drakensberg “which traditionally is regarded as an ideal destination for long weekend type getaways’’.
"We have a broader adventure offering which is appealing to a core segment that visits the Drakensberg, namely the young and more mature adventure seekers," said Seymour.