Durban sees resurgence in cruise and wider tourism sector in 2024/25 season

Durban’s cruise sector and wider tourism industry experienced a resurgence during the 2024/25 festive season, with hotel occupancy rates between 80% and 100%, and cruise passengers numbers that exceeded last year.

This is according to preliminary data from Durban Tourism, as reported by Tourism Update. Durban Tourism Deputy Head, Winile Mntungwa attributed the growth to key initiatives, including the reopening of beaches, targeted Durban Tourism initiatives, improved safety measures, and an efficient park-and-ride system introduced during the festive season. 

“The positive response to these efforts underscores the success of the City’s revitalisation strategies in driving sustained tourism growth,” she said.

Enhanced safety measures included deploying 500 Metro Police officers, expanding CCTV surveillance, and collaborating with the Urban Improvement Precinct to improve security in high-footfall areas such as Florida Road. 

Additionally, consistent beach water quality monitoring was conducted to ensure safer coastal conditions for visitors, while the recently opened MSC Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal attracted 243,000 international visitors during the previous 2023/24 season, with further growth expected for the 2024/25 period. 

“This season is poised for even greater success with more vessels expected, further strengthening Durban’s position as a premier cruise destination,” Mntungwa said.

According to Tourism Update, visitors to the city provided overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the enhanced safety, cleaner public spaces, and the range of activities available. Many expressed their delight in seeing the city making a concerted effort to improve its infrastructure and overall environment.

Post-COVID, Durban has been impacted by multiple challenges, including infrastructure damage from flooding and ongoing beach closures due to sewage pollution, as well as widespread riots that severely damaged national and international confidence in the city’s security environment. 

However, stakeholders say that recent investments in safety measures and infrastructure development have contributed to growing visitor confidence. This includes a renewed commitment from Southern Sun, which plans to invest in the revitalisation strategies of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality and Durban Tourism in 2025.

Southern Sun has committed to a R1 billion redevelopment of flagship hotels along Durban’s waterfront, in conjunction with formalised marketing partnerships with Durban Tourism, which has had a significant impact on repairing the city’s reputation, according to Mntungwa. 

“Collaborations with leading hospitality brands, including Southern Sun Media Tours, showcased Durban’s diverse attractions, fostering greater confidence among potential visitors,” she said.Safety, hospitality infrastrucure, and diversity of onshore experiences are some of the key criteria for cruise tourism growth, and is what contributed significantly to Cape Town’s recent recognition by TimeOut as Best City in the World.