14-05-2025
- Business
- The South African
Good news: Why Durban's hotels are nearly FULL this week
With thousands of visitors pouring into the city, Durban's hotels are almost fully booked this week. The city's hosting of events is responsible for this uptick in guests.
Hot off the back of the clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates, Durban is hosting another big gathering this week. The Africa Travel Indaba 2025 trade show kicked off at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre on 13 May.
According to Moneyweb , the indaba will draw thousands of visitors. That explains the high occupancy rates in the city, even after the Nedbank Cup Final concluded on the weekend.
Speaking to Moneyweb, Jaya Naidoo, East Coast general manager of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, said:
'Hotel occupancy in Durban and Umhlanga is ranging from 80% to 90% during the Indaba.'
The indaba, which was opened by Deputy President Paul Mashatile yesterday, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Durban and its hotels. Over 1300 exhibitors are taking part in the trade show, and it's possible that as many as 2500 to 2600 international guests will attend.
With so many travellers, even the Hilton Durban Hotel, which boasts more than 320 rooms, has reopened. This is the first time the establishment has been fully open after the havoc caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The African Travel Indaba is hosted by South African Tourism to promote both the country and the African continent. The three-day event wraps up on 15 May. But it's not the only event keeping hotels in Durban busy this week.
The Second G20 Tourism Working Group also brought international delegates to the KZN city this week. As reported by SA News, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli said that it was a proud moment for the province:
'This is more than a meeting. It is a statement that KwaZulu-Natal is ready to lead, connect, and contribute on the global stage. We are honoured to host the world's tourism leaders and share our vision for a sustainable tourism economy that creates jobs, drives growth, and uplifts communities.'
Durban has struggled in recent years, leading the eThekwini Municipality to launch a programme to revitalise the city centre last month.
But this week, it's not just Durban's hotels that are thriving among all the events taking place. KZN Tourism and Film Authority interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi told Moneyweb :
'Eateries around the city will be buzzing and enjoying the economic benefits of hosting an event of such magnitude.'
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
