eThekwini Municipality is preparing to draw a capacity crowd of up to 48 000 people to the Hollywood Bets Durban July on July 1, which will inject about R65 million into the city’s economy next weekend.
Economic Development and Planning Committee Deputy Chairperson for eThekwini Municipality, Phili Ndlovu, said tourism, one of the largest industries in the city, had recorded a total direct expenditure of R11,6 billion in 2018.That figure dipped during COVID. But, she said tourism was beginning to return to pre-COVID-19 growth levels and the Durban July Experience, which includes a range of entertainment and events at Greyville Racecourse and across the city on race day, would give the industry a boost.
“Projections on the economic impact to eThekwini for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience this year, are that it will attract at least 35 000 to 48 000 attendees, amassing a R65 million direct spend, contributing R130 million to the GDP and creating 1 500 jobs,” Ndlovu said.
The theme for this year’s fashion extravaganza at the races is ‘Out of this World’ and eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme, under the banner of the Durban Fashion Fair, has partnered with Gold Circle Horse Racing and Betting to present the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience.
This supports 160 emerging and established designers and models.
Events
Among the events lined up are music fests Fact Durban Rocks, Mother of All Parties, Any Given Sunday and the Durban July Township Experience (music, food and fashion) - visitors will experience tourism precincts such as Umhlanga, Florida Road and Davenport, Max’s Lifestyle and the Inanda Heritage Route.
Ndlovu said there would be strong Metro Police presence during the event. “Our law enforcement agencies will be deployed in all strategic areas during the Durban July to ensure safety of all patrons and residents. We are ready to roll out the red carpet for thousands of visitors expected to flock to Durban.”
Gold Circle event and marketing executive Stephen Marshall said it was the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 that the race could be hosted at full capacity. It had survived two world wars and other pandemics.
“After127 years, the event continues to grow and evolve,” said Marshall.
Hollywood Bets Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer, said the event was a major driver for tourism and an economic boost for the city.
“A R5 million stake is up for grabs. It is the richest Grade One in the country which attracts the best thoroughbreds, which shows in the field that we have,” said Marshall.
The prestigious event was established in 1897 on a distance of 1 600m, which later increased to 2 200m in the 1970s.
