KwaZulu-Natal's winter tourism surge

IOL News

02-07-2025

The 56th edition of the Ballito Pro Presented by O'Neill is in full swing, transforming KwaDukuza into the ultimate winter escape until July 6.
Image: Luke Patterson
KwaZulu-Natal's warm winter weather and holiday and cultural experiences is set to drive a significant seasonal surge in visitors this July, with both tourism and film taking centre stage across the province.
In addition to being a peak travel period, July is celebrated as Film Month in KwaZulu-Natal, as the province plays host to the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the Durban FilmMart (DFM), and the prestigious Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on July 19.
These events draw global creatives, industry leaders and investors, firmly positioning KZN as a premier film and content production destination on the continent.
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) expects a 12–15% increase in domestic arrivals this winter compared to 2024, with an estimated R500 million in tourism-related contributions in July alone, supported by over 70,000 cumulative visitors across key events and destinations.
'We're seeing strong indicators that July is expected to deliver a substantial surge in domestic travel, thanks to the alignment of the school holidays, hallmark events and our temperate winter climate that remains a magnet for year-round tourism,' said Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of KZNTAFA.
'Our July calendar is a showcase of what KZN does best – culture, fashion, film, entertainment and hospitality.'
Richard Fourie puts favourite Eight On Eighteen through its paces at the official Hollywoodbets Durban July Gallops on Thursday
Image: Candiese Lenferna / Race Coast
Good news for the industry
The July school holidays, coupled with a raft of seasonal activities and mega events, have brought good news for KZN's tourism industry as holidaymakers, the film fraternity, fun lovers and adventure seekers head to KwaZulu-Natal, boosting hotel and B&B occupancy figures, increasing restaurant and shopping centre footfall counts.
The first of the big iconic crowd-pulling events is the Hollywoodbets Durban July on the 5th, Africa's premier horse racing and fashion event, which is expected to attract more than 55,000 racegoers.
The estimated direct tourism spend will be R150 million, with more than R350 million in overall economic impact, contributing to both GDP and job creation.
At KZN Tourism and Film Authority's own hospitality marquee at the race, guests will enjoy an exclusive fashion installation curated by top KZN designers, presented in collaboration with leading fashion producers and cultural curators. All just in time for the forthcoming Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on July 19, which honours excellence in the province's film and TV industry.
Later in the month, the Dundee July (July 20), KZN's rural, cultural and horse-riding festival – is expected to attract more than 25,000 visitors to northern KZN, reinforcing cultural tourism and community-based economic development.
'These two events are critical tourism levers. They support local entrepreneurs, fashion designers, hospitality businesses and drive domestic traveller confidence in the province,' said Sibusiso Gumbi.
Sibusiso Gumbi, the acting Chief Executive of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
Image: Supplied
The positive forecast about an increase in KZN tourism numbers comes in the wake of the latest tourism figures from Stats SA, which spell good news for the hospitality sector. Figures show that the total income for the country's hospitality sector increased 9.8% in April 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Climate advantage
'KZN's winter is mild and sunny, with coastal temperatures averaging 22–25 degrees C. While other provinces shiver, we shine, and this climate advantage ensures consistent visitor interest beyond traditional peak seasons,' Gumbi added.
The expected boost to visitor numbers follows an intensified domestic tourism campaign by the Entity, which has leveraged travel trade partnerships, influencer marketing, and activation of cultural hubs.
These ongoing winter-tailored campaigns target Gauteng, Eastern Cape and Free State markets, focusing on heritage, wellness, adventure and culinary tourism.
'Our focus is very clear: keep domestic tourism growing,' he said.
'We have pulled out all the stops to attract people to our province and those efforts look like they will pay off,' said Gumbi, 'There is so much going on that KZN is undoubtedly the place to be, particularly this winter.'
Spill-over benefits in the North Coast
The North Coast regional organisation – Enterprise iLembe Economic Development Agency – has added its voice to the upbeat forecast about the winter season, saying that current trends suggest 'not just a recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic years, but a growth'.
The proximity of the North Coast's iLembe District to Durban positions the area perfectly to benefit from the spillover of visitors, especially those seeking a more relaxed, scenic and family-friendly environment after major events, said Siyabonga Mazibuko, the CEO of Enterprise iLembe.
One of the most exciting developments this winter will be the Durban July Ballito Experience, hosted in uMhlali Country Club in KwaDukuza and Westbrook in partnership with the national Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
This activation is aligned to the Durban July excitement, creating investment networking experiences, fashion and lifestyle showcases, and possibilities of locations for film productions. The event has added a fresh dimension to the calendar and will attract new visitors to the region.
There has also been strong interest in local markets, food festivals, and cultural showcases designed to complement the high visitor influx.
There has been a marked increase in bookings across local hotels, B&Bs and self-catering units, particularly in hotspots like Ballito, Salt Rock and KwaDukuza. Both footfall and revenue are expected to be up this year compared to last winter.
'Restaurants and beachfront venues are reporting higher foot traffic and increased patronage. Tour operators and activity-based businesses such as hiking, quad biking and cultural experiences are also noting stronger demand compared to off-peak months,' said Mazibuko.
'It's clear the region is experiencing a seasonal surge.'
Domestic tourism continues to be the cornerstone of the North Coast's winter season as visitors from Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State are especially prominent.
'That being said, we are also seeing encouraging signs of international interest returning, particularly from SADC countries and niche markets such as Europe-based expats and digital nomads,' he added.
Snow-capped the mountains at Rhino Peak, Drakensberg Gardens in Underberg.
Image: File
While some travellers opt for shorter, high-quality stays, there is growing demand for authentic experiences, including heritage tourism, adventure activities, culinary tours and cultural events.
'Enterprise iLembe is committed to sustaining this momentum through targeted campaigns, partnerships and ongoing tourism development efforts,' Mazibuko said.
Winter in the Drakensberg
The tourism industry over in the Central and Northern Drakensberg has already experienced positive winter trends.
'The region experienced an excellent Youth Day long weekend,' said James Seymour, Managing Director of Cathkin Booking and Management Services.
'Most of the resorts and accommodation venues ran virtually at full capacity. One of the reasons for this was the Hot Air Balloon Festival and the SA Championships held at Berg Air in the Central Drakensberg,' he explained.
Asked about the type of experiences drawing visitors to the region during winter, he said:
'Tourists want wintery, snowy type experiences – log fires, scenes of snow on the peaks.''Weekends were good, especially if there is a chance of snowfall on the peaks.'
Fishermen in Warner Beach net several crates of sardines.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
Nature and Film shine on the South Coast
On the KZN South Coast, nature has already been playing a key role in boosting holiday arrival figures.
'We have had an incredible start to our winter season with the arrival of the Sardine Run,' said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
'As one of our tourism calendar highlights, we have several Sardine Run events taking place, with the Sardine Festival bringing family-friendly activities to our beach from June 20 to July 20, and the first-ever Coastal Seafood Flavours Festival on July 26,' he continued.
The Sardine Run has also attracted film crews, who are capturing this unique natural phenomenon alongside visitors enjoying boat rides, diving excursions and coastal adventures.
'The KZN South Coast boasts a wealth of outdoor experiences that make this a top destination, including having the highest number of Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province,' Dr Sibiya said.
'Our two world-renowned dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks offer incredible underwater experiences, while the 11 immaculate golf courses and friendly clubhouses ensure every golfer has a great time away.'
Township tours and hinterland excursions continue to attract those seeking unique, culturally rich experiences. Trails such as the Umzumbe River Trail, KwaNdwalane Adventure, AgriTours and the Mission Tourism Route showcase the area's natural beauty, history and hospitality.
The launch of the Wellness Way Route has embraced the global wellness travel trend, while extreme adventure options like gorge-swinging, ziplining and abseiling offer high-adrenaline alternatives.