A tourism industry representative in Durban has called for stronger security measures and urban renewal around the city’s cruise precinct after a recent cruise ship call brought thousands of international visitors ashore.

On Wednesday, the Cunard Line cruise ship Queen Anne docked at the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal carrying approximately 3,000 passengers.

The visitors spent the day touring Durban and surrounding attractions before the vessel departed later in the evening as part of its World Cruise, and a dedicated Cape Town to Singapore leg.

Industry figures say the cruise season is becoming an increasingly valuable contributor to the local visitor economy, particularly following a strong festive period for tourism in the city.

Brett Tungay, Chair of Hospitality, Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) KwaZulu-Natal, said cruise calls generate immediate demand for day tours, transport services, and retail activity.

“Before the cruise ships arrive, most of them will offer their day packages in the different ports in which they’re going to stop,” said Tungay. “So, if they come into Durban, for example, they might get a helicopter tour around Durban or a drive out to a game park, or a city tour maybe to the shopping centres.”

Tour operators, transport providers, and guides are among the sectors that benefit directly when large ships call, with excursions ranging from urban sightseeing to wildlife experiences outside the city.

However, Tungay said the continued growth of the sector will depend on improvements to the surrounding urban environment, particularly near the port area where passengers first encounter the city.

“Trying to ensure the safety around the passenger terminal area, that the tourists that are coming off the boat are safe,” he said. “I would like to see more safety in the city centre, and it has improved dramatically, but especially on Point Road.”

He noted that municipal authorities had made progress in recent years and acknowledged the city’s efforts during ship visits. “We need to see a little bit more safety in terms of presence there, but the metro is doing a very good job with the cruise ships,” he said.

In addition to security, Tungay also pointed to the condition of nearby buildings and streetscape as an important factor in visitor perception. “We need to see a bit more development in terms of restoration, where there’s a lot of derelict building for the aesthetic value for when these people are coming off the boats,” he said.

Durban has been positioning itself as a cruise hub on the southern African coast, and regular calls by international vessels have increased since the opening of the Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal. Industry stakeholders argue that improving safety visibility and accelerating redevelopment around the Point waterfront would help the city convert short port calls into repeat visits and longer stays in the future.

For tourism operators, the arrival of large ships represents more than a single day’s activity. The hope is that positive first impressions may encourage passengers to return independently, extending the economic impact beyond the cruise season.