The City of Durban is ready for the influx of over 50 000 visitors expected to descend in Durban this weekend. The activations and promotional campaigns around the Country by Durban Tourism are paying off as the hotel occupancy is at an average of 90 to 100% throughout the City and all the beaches are already so busy.

Sapphire Coast (previously known as Amanzimtoti) and Umhlanga have been flooded by Tourists since last week, when they started their annual beach festivals with activities ranging from surfing, skating, helicopter flips and beauty pageants. Away from the City Centre these areas give our visitors an alternative for sunbathing. Local businesses also benefit by putting stalls that sell anything from Ice, food to cycling and surfing gear.

With the large numbers expected , Durban Tourism has employed over 56 Safety Monitors in partnership with the National Department of Tourism. They are placed in Umgababa, Amanzimtoti, florida Road, Ushaka Marine World, North Beach, Umhlanga and Moses Mabhida Stadium. These Monitors patrol the areas and they have direct contact with the law enforcement officers, Metro police and South African Police Services and also assist in providing the tourists with information. They have been undergoing training since April 2012 and will be available until the Africa Cup of Nations in Jan/Feb 2013 and are easily identifiable through their uniforms.

“We spend months through creative initiatives inviting people to visit the beautiful City of Durban and we want to ensure that when our visitors are here, they are kept safe and all they have to worry about is enjoying their holiday. The Safety Monitors are an addition to the Ambassadors that we have situated in all our offices and the Beach Front” said Head of Tourism, Mr Philip Sithole. Also to ensure that visitors have information on the activities and events we have for the first time entered into partnership with Engen One Stops to ensure that when people stop for their breaks they get the information. As a pilot project we are activating at Tugela, Empangeni and Cato Ridge with the aim of going nationwide next year, this will mean people can drive to any of the One Stops and information about Durban will be at hand, thus assisting them to plan in advance” concluded Mr Sithole.

Major Events to look out for start on the 26th with the popular Durban Jazz Festival at Hazelmere Dam, where the International acclaimed R&B singer, Kenny Lattimore will be the main act. To close off the year Fact Durban Rocks Concert will be held at Peoples Park at Moses Mabhida featuring Durban based artists, which have throughout the years put Durban on the Map through their music and lyrics. Umgababa Festival saw over 20 000 people attending last year and will take place between the 1st and 2nd of January. We appeal to all our visitors and fun lovers to exercise patience and precaution when attending these events, and those travelling with kids to ensure that they are within their eyesight all the time.

Beaches in Umhlanga and Sapphire Coast know as Amanzimtoti will continue their annual beach festivals,

This is the time to Enjoy Sunsational Durban 100% Pure Summer.. Our North Beach Offices will operate on extended hours from 8am to 19:00pm.

Durban Tourism wishes all our visitors a Sunsational Holiday as we usher in the New Year.

For more information contact May Moodley, Marketing Officer in the Durban Tourism Department on 031 3224169