9 July 2026
MEDIA COMMENT – BUSINESS COMMENDS ETHEKWINI LEADERSHIP FOR A SUCCESSFUL 2026 WINTER TOURISM SEASON
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The business community wishes to congratulate the leadership of eThekwini Municipality, led by Mayor Cyril Xaba and his team, on the successful hosting of this year’s winter tourism season. From the world-renowned Comrades Marathon to the Hollywoodbets Durban July and a range of supporting events and festivals, Durban has once again showcased its ability to host major events that attract visitors, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the city’s reputation as a leading tourist destination.
Asheen Magjee, President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC, says that Durban was able to showcase the warmth in our hospitality and weather to an international audience. Magjee commends the city’s leadership for providing a safe and clean environment to host many tourists and extends thanks to sponsors for investing in iconic events that boost the overall economy of our city and province.
The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is optimistic that this year’s events have served as a significant economic boost for the city. According to eThekwini (2026), Durban was expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors for the Hollywoodbets Durban July. This prestigious event is projected to generate a direct spend of approximately R254 million, with a broader contribution of R880 million to the local economy and an estimated 1270 jobs created through the event’s supply chain.
The city also welcomed 21,600 participants and 65,000 spectators for the Comrades Marathon, while the GAS Motor Show drew crowds of around 30,000 across the two days. These events collectively drove economic growth and reinforced Durban’s position as a leading destination for world-class events.
As illustrated above, these events have generated significant value for local businesses across the hospitality, retail, transport, entertainment, tourism, and services sectors. They have provided an important boost to economic confidence, supported jobs, and demonstrated the positive impact that a vibrant events calendar can have on the broader provincial economy.
The successful execution of these events reflects the value of collaborative leadership and the collective efforts of the municipality, law enforcement agencies, tourism authorities, event organizers, sponsors, volunteers, and the private sector. It also highlights the progress being made in strengthening Durban’s position as a premier destination for both local and international visitors. This continued focus on tourism growth, stakeholder collaboration, safety, and destination promotion contributes positively to the city’s recovery and competitiveness.
As organised business, we recognize that tourism remains one of the key sectors capable of driving inclusive economic growth, attracting investment, and creating employment opportunities. The successful winter tourism season provides further evidence that when government and business work together, meaningful outcomes can be achieved.
We encourage all stakeholders to build on this momentum by continuing to invest in destination marketing, service delivery improvements, safety and cleanliness initiatives, infrastructure maintenance, and the attraction of future events, conferences, and tourism opportunities to our city and province.
Durban has once again demonstrated its resilience, its hospitality, and its ability to compete on a national and international stage. We thank the city’s leadership, event organizers, and all participants for helping to create a successful winter tourism season that benefits residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Together, we are building confidence in Durban and showcasing the immense potential of eThekwini and KwaZulu-Natal.
About the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Founded in 1856, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC is the largest member-based metropolitan chamber in Southern Africa. We represent approximately 3,000 businesses in eThekwini and beyond, ranging from multinationals to corporates and SMMEs. Since 2019, we also represent 54,000 informal sector businesses through their business associations. Policy and advocacy are at the heart of our work and we assist members with securing trade and investment opportunities locally and internationally, providing business advisory services (CIPC, Certificate of Origin, ITC checks, HR consultancy and more) across a broad spectrum of sectors, engaging thought leadership through forum webinars and other networking events, sharing business information through digital platforms, and also sourcing business insights through occasional questionnaires. The Durban Chamber advocates and influences policy decisions that affect the interests of business (tax legislation, import and export regulations and more), offering member benefits and providing information relevant to business decision-making. As a business-based and member-focused organisation, our strategic purpose is to help create a conducive economic and business environment to facilitate and promote economic growth in the region in partnership with key stakeholders.
For more info, contact the Durban Chamber on 031 335 1000 or info@durbanchamber.co.za
Our website is www.durbanchamber.co.za
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
Comment attribution: Asheen Magjee, President, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Media contacts:
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry NPC
Ms Zanele Khomo
Chief Growth Officer
T: +27 31 335 1000
