City Lodge Hotels partners to bring new energy to Durban tourism

SOUTH AFRICA – City Lodge Hotels has joined hands with key tourism and hospitality stakeholders to breathe new life into Durban’s tourism sector ahead of the festive season.

Through strategic partnerships, the collaboration aims to present Durban as a safe, vibrant, and welcoming destination for visitors.

The partnership, launched under the “Take the Lead Tourism” roadshow on December 4, 2024, is a joint effort between City Lodge Hotels, Durban Tourism, South African Tourism, eThekwini Municipality, and several industry bodies.

The initiative, themed “Exploring Durban’s Travel Adventures Together,” showcases the city’s refreshed offerings, including clean beaches, heightened safety measures, and revitalised attractions.

“Durban holds a special place in our hearts. It’s a destination that brings back fond memories of sun, sand, and family fun,” said Lindiwe Sangweni-Siddo, Chief Operating Officer of City Lodge Hotels.

“With seven hotels in KwaZulu-Natal, we remain committed to boosting tourism growth and working closely with stakeholders to ensure Durban stands out this festive season.”

Addressing safety concerns, Durban Metro Police has implemented comprehensive measures, deploying over 500 newly trained officers and 170 high-performance vehicles across key tourist areas.

Additionally, 21 out of 23 beaches have been given the all-clear for swimming, and 30 public swimming pools are fully operational.

“Travellers often ask about beach safety and security in the area. I’m happy to confirm that Durban is ready. Visitors can enjoy clean, secure beaches with confidence,” Sangweni-Siddo added.

City Lodge Hotels has further reinforced its support by upgrading key properties. The City Lodge Hotel Umhlanga Ridge and Road Lodge Durban now feature refreshed, contemporary designs to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers.

Town Lodge Umhlanga has also enhanced its dining options, offering a variety of new dishes to its menu.

To make travel more affordable, City Lodge Hotels has launched special promotions across KwaZulu-Natal. These deals, valid until December 12, 2024, include excellent rates across its properties.

Following this, the group’s “Save Our Stay” summer campaign will offer up to 30% off on bookings, with rooms starting from R750 per night.

The collaborative effort comes at a time when Durban expects a significant economic uplift. Projections suggest the city will welcome over 1.3 million visitors this season, driving R2.5 billion (approximately US$140 million) in direct spending and contributing R6.3 billion (approximately US$352.8 million) to GDP. This boost is also anticipated to create over 11,000 jobs.

The city’s festive calendar is brimming with activity. Highlights include the Durban Jazz Festival on December 26 and the iconic Fact Durban Rocks New Year’s Eve celebration.

The arrival of MSC Euribia and MSC Musica at the port also marks the start of the cruise season, bringing thousands of international visitors to Durban’s shores.

Durban continues to position itself as a leading tourist destination, with plans to expand its offerings and infrastructure in the coming years.

The city’s Visitor Marketing Strategy aims to increase tourist arrivals, spending, and the length of stay, ensuring sustained growth for the region.

“We are so proud to contribute to Durban’s ongoing transformation,” concluded Sangweni-Siddo. “We invite visitors to experience the beauty of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal and create cherished memories this holiday season.”

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