SOUTH AFRICA — Durban’s luxury Hilton Hotel has reopened after shutting its doors in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The five-star hotel was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors in 2021 due to low demand, which made it unable to finance its operations.
The hotel had been operating since 1997, when it closed its doors over three years ago, and it was not known that it would remain closed for an extended period.
The Hilton Durban’s protracted closure has meant huge losses for the property and the city itself.
eThekwini Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the hotel’s return to business would enhance the metro’s business case when bidding for national and international conferences.
The hotel is in the city’s business tourism Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) precinct. Xaba said it also forms an important part of the Durban’s inner-city regeneration efforts.
The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre and the Durban Exhibition Centre are conveniently housed here.
“The Hilton hotel is also a great added advantage for the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), which is situated near the hotel,” Xaba said.
“When the Durban ICC conducts their product promotion, it will be characterised by the easy accessibility to prestigious accommodation which further instils business travel confidence.”
“We are indeed excited that our drive to attract investment in the city, through our inner-city regeneration programme, are beginning to yield positive results.”
Fedhasa chairperson Brett Tungay said the reopening of the Hilton Durban will benefit the city’s business travellers and convention centre.
This is because the 300-room luxury hotel is adjacent to the Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre.
Furthermore, the Hilton Durban is synonymous with luxury and service. The hotel affords guests high standards, which the Hilton brand is known for.
“The convention centre must have high-end accommodation attached to it for the VIP delegations that attend conferences there,” Tungay said.
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