Page 7 - Business Sense-11.4 - KZN Top Business Awards Supplement -EBOOK

Durban’s promenade is a vibrant beachfront area, offering a mix of recreational activities, The aQuellé Tour Durban is a road-cycling event catering for a wide range of skills and
scenic views, and entertainment options. fitness levels.
TOURISM ON THE RISE:

DURBAN’S PRESIDENTIAL WORKING GROUP FUELS GROWTH

Insights from Invest FEDHASA, the Tourism Business soon see a significant billion tourism crown. The second oldest ■ aQuellé Durban Tour,
Durban’s Russell Curtis Council of South Africa and Rand redevelopment of the old national Open Golf championship Amashova and Karkloof cycling
several chambers of commerce to Funworld entertainment park on on the planet. We partnered events draw athletes and
urban, ensure a collaborative approach the beachfront promenade.” with DP World, Investec, and adventure tourists alike
KwaZulu- to unlocking the regions full 2. Marketing, Communications Jonsson Workwear to secure this
DNatal is investment and trade potential. and Events event, leveraging their R50m Collectively, sports tourism
riding a new wave Curtis commented on the plus investment in upgrading the across running and cycling
of tourism and momentum underway, “We Repositioning Durban on the Durban Country Club.” has generated R789 million in
investment started a bit slowly, but we global stage requires changing The tournament became economic impact over the past
momentum, are starting to gain traction the narrative and bending “the Durban’s most globally televised two years. Soccer, rugby, cricket
driven in and seeing greater delivery. arc of perception back to the event in 200 years, reaching and other codes being equally
large part Now we are starting to be positive”. Curtis highlights the over 530 million homes across large, especially with the 2027
by the Presidential eThekwini admired by other cities. We see importance of impactful, global, four days, putting the city’s Cricket World Cup secured for
Working Group number four. President Ramaphosa promising targeted marketing advised by scenery and hospitality in South Africa, driving a R100m
This dedicated stream focuses Johannesburg that they can learn business experts, through to high front of nearly a billion people upgrade to the Kingsmead
exclusively on tourism – a sector from us and start replicating some profile events, such as professional worldwide, over an entire week. grounds.
regarded as the jewel of Durban of our hard work. conferences to sporting A local hero, Dylan Naidoo, Building Durban’s Future
and the wider KwaZulu-Natal spectacles, which showcase the made history as the first player
region. The Presidential Tourism city’s beauty and infrastructure of colour to win the SA Open These efforts, Curtis says,
Working Group is structured to more international audiences. are not a flash in the pan but a
Russell Curtis, Head of Invest around three clear pillars: Much closer, greater, and faster since 1903. deliberate, hard-fought strategy:
Durban, commented, “KZN, stakeholder communications The Hollywoodbets Durban “Durban is best placed with our
nearly the size of Portugal 1. Product Development, being key this and more. July remains one of the city’s unique weather, cultures, and
and boasting 600 kilometres Investment and Infrastructure most iconic sporting and lifestyle surroundings; we can enjoy the
of stunning coastline, is often This involves upgrading 3. Safety and Security events. In 2025, the festival of outdoors better than many places
described as the place where the Durban’s assets such as A non-negotiable element horse racing and high fashion: in South Africa, year-round.”
colours of the Rainbow Nation promenades, cultural and historic for successful investment and ■ Generated over R278 million in
shine brightest.” attractions, and other government trade, Durban has expanded its direct spend Through strategic collaboration,
owned tourism facilities. Major dedicated coastal and tourism investment attraction and
Established under private sector investment projects policing teams, supported by new ■ Contributed nearly R700 million facilitation, high impact events,
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s capitalise on these and include private sector co-investment in to GDP improved marketing plus a
administration, in partnership the redevelopment of uShaka additional assets and technology. ■ Created 4,000 jobs renewed focus on safety, Durban
with organised business, this Marine World, a rejuvenated Drones, CCTV expansion, and ■ Filled local hotels to over 80% is reshaping her story. KwaZulu
Presidential Tourism Working Hilton Hotel, the landmark Point closer coordination with SAPS occupancy Natal’s coastline, diverse cultural
Group is designed to tackle Waterfront Partnership with and metro police are enhancing heritage, and warm climate
challenges in tourism and unlock Malaysian investors, new towers safety for visitors and residents The Durban July is not only offer the perfect stage to deliver
the full potential of one of South in uMhlanga, Sibaya, and beyond. alike, bolstered by over 600 new a cultural highlight but also a on Curtis’s vision of a globally
Africa’s most naturally and An investment pipeline exceeding police recruits and innovative powerful economic engine that admired tourism hub.
culturally vibrant regions. The R30bn is rolling out. precinct ambassador programmes amplifies the province’s tourism
initiative brings together the with private security. reach. This now underscores a As Durban’s events calendar
minister and director general Curtis emphasises the ambition: further R1 billion investment and investment pipeline continue
of National Tourism, alongside “We need a London Eye… let’s Sports Tourism: A Winning commitment by the freshly to grow, the city is not just
provincial leadership, the mayor call it a Durban Eye. We need a Strategy merged Hollywoodbets/Gold recovering – it is rising as a
of Durban, the eThekwini Ski Dubai… We need a Canary Circle Racing companies. model for South African tourism
executive director for all planning Wharf or Marina Bay like the One of the key ways Durban is partnership success. 
and economic development plus UK, Singapore and others. expanding its tourism strategy is Marathons, Canoes, and Cycling
the tourism and investment We are therefore already in through sports tourism, a high Beyond golf and racing, Russell Curtis
authorities in all spheres, multiple physical meetings with impact driver of economic growth Durban’s sports tourism calendar E: Russell.Curtis@durban.gov.za
alongside all in business linked developers and investors who’re and global visibility. is rich and diverse: W: www.invest.durban | www.durban.gov.za
to the sector. This improved keen to do these in Durban. After a 15-year hiatus, Durban ■ Comrades Marathon (24,000
public private partnership aims Club Med is already coming out proudly hosted the DP World runners, 2,500 international)
to boost the position of Durban the ground brilliantly and will Tour Investec South African generates approximately
as a premier global tourism and make a huge impact mid next Open Golf Championship at the R550 million
tourism investment destination. year, whilst the Southern Sun historic Durban Country Club
group, uShaka Marine World ■ Dusi Canoe Marathon
Crucially, it also engages and others are recapitalising in 2025. highlights the city’s natural
business structures such as significantly. Residents will also Curtis called it: “A gem in the waterways

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