Nompendulo Ngubane
EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba says the city remains concerned about domestic tourism numbers in Durban.
Xaba was speaking as the city wrapped up Tourism Month and launched its Summer Season which runs from 1 October to 30 April.
The city is targeting close to one million visitors during the peak summer and festive holiday periods supported by targeted destination marketing campaigns.
Xaba has encouraged locals to explore destinations across eThekwini before visiting other parts of the province.
“We want our residence to rediscover their own city. Sometimes we travel thousands of kilometres to experience what is in our own backyard. In other words we need to promote domestic tourism,”said Xaba.
He mentioned, “When you are in kwaXimba, don’t only come to Durban because you are going to the city hall, at your place of work. You are then able to visit the places around here.”
Domestic visitors are spending across the wider economy, not just on accommodation.
In July 2026, domestic tourism generated more than R830 million, with retail, restaurants, food and groceries among the strongest spending categories.
According to the Ethekwini Municipality, Durban’s beaches remain a major domestic attraction.
The City reported that during the 2025/26 festive season, the city’s beaches recorded more than 6.8 million visits, including swimmers and promenade users, between 1 December and 12 January.
Click below to listen to the full audio of Xaba’s sentiments
