KwaZulu-Natal
The Durban Tourism has wrapped up a successful series of national roadshows designed to promote the vibrant travel experiences, attractions, and culture of the City of Durban. This initiative was part of the Summer Season Campaign encouraging visitors to explore the city’s offerings and hidden gems.
Durban Tourism has wrapped up a national roadshow series highlighting the city’s rich culture, attractions, and travel experiences ahead of the festive season.
The Summer Season Campaign brought Durban’s signature energy to several provinces through lively activations that invited visitors to discover the City’s attractions and hidden gems.
The roadshows began in Mpumalanga and Limpopo, continued through the Western Cape, and concluded in Gauteng this past weekend.
The recent campaign comes as the city of Durban reported that it is set for a major tourism boost, with the 2025/26 cruise season expected to inject just over R1.88 billion into the city’s economy.
In a statement last week, the City reported that the cruise season, running from November 2025 to June 2026, is expected to draw around 255,000 visitors from across the globe. This influx of visitors is set to generate a direct spend of about R762 million, with the total economic impact, including indirect and induced effects, reaching just over R1.12 billion.
"Building on last year’s strong performance, projections for the 2025/26 season highlight significant economic benefits. It is expected to attract approximately 255,000 cruise visitors, contributing directly around R762 million to the City’s economy," the city said.
According to the Durban Tourism, Summer Launch Campaign, highlighting new tourism experiences, film opportunities, and the province’s vibrant appeal as South Africa’s ultimate summer destination has become the province’s hot selling point each year.
Each stop featured a mix of engaging activities, including information sessions, destination entertainment, fun games, ricksha puller rides, and dynamic leisure experiences; all aimed at encouraging holidaymakers to choose Durban as their preferred summer destination.
According to Durban Tourism, the response from the provinces visited was overwhelmingly positive, “A standout feature of the campaign was the iconic open-air ricksha bus, which offered visitors a unique and leisurely tour of Durban’s top attractions. These colourful buses provide a fun way to explore the City’s famous Golden Mile and beyond, offering sweeping coastal views and a refreshing sea breeze,” it said in a statement.
During the campaign, scores of people warmly welcomed the Durban Tourism team, enjoying the entertainment, vibrant activations, and the authentic Durban atmosphere brought to their regions.
With the cruise season already underway, Durban Tourism revealed that it is eager to share the City’s warmth, culture, and natural beauty with travellers from around the world.
This season, Durban will host a prestigious lineup of cruise ships, including the Queen Mary 2, Silver Dawn, Azamara Onward, and Seven Seas Navigator, each offering guests unforgettable experiences rooted in Durban’s rich heritage and hospitality.
The summer events calendar promises excitement for all, with music lovers urged to look forward to Metro FM Heatwave, Dubane Summer Break, uMlazi Jazz Experience, Gagasi FM Beach Fest, and Durban Fact Rocks, while families can enjoy festive favourites like the Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights and many other attractions.
