KZN expects some 82 000 visitors to Durban this weekend (Saturday, October 29) for the coronation of the new King of the Zulu Nation, his Majesty King MisuZulu ka Goodwill Zwelithini Zulu.
According to an economic assessment conducted by the City of Durban, it is estimated that the visitors will spend in the region of R65m on accommodation, restaurants, and other leisure activities, boosting the local economy by as much as R130m while sustaining 207 jobs.
The MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Siboniso Duma said: “The coronation of the King of the Zulu people is a once-in-a-lifetime event and we are honoured as the province of KwaZulu Natal to be the host province.
“Hosting the coronation will also have impactful economic spin-offs for the province, particularly for the tourism sector. To date, the projected occupancy rates for accommodation in Durban is 75%, and the tourism trade in the North Coast of the province have also indicated they are receiving high volumes of enquiries and are confident that they will benefit from Durban spill-over bookings.”
Major hotel groups operating from KZN, such as Capital Zimbali, Southern Sun and Gooderson Group are reportedly confident that they will be 100% booked for the weekend.
The Tourism Recovery Plan is believed to be well on track in KZN, with major events such as the Amashova Cycle Race, World Football Summit and the MTN8 semi-finals back on the province calendar.
Additionally, KZN’s airlift has improved - Lift Airlines commenced its direct route to King Shaka International Airport earlier this week.
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cszulukingcoronation
IMAGE: King Misuzulu KaZwelithini
Source: Sihle Mavuso/IOL
