KwaZulu-Natal enters Tourism and Heritage month on a high note. The latest figures by Stats SA show the province achieved a 13,5% increase in tourism growth for the month of July.
The 13,5% growth translates to 30,120 more tourists being processed at King Shaka International Airport and entering Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in July.
The influx of tourists from January to July 2025 to South Africa stood at 5,85 million. This figure reflects a 13,8% growth in international visitors.
International visitors who contributed to KZN’s tourism growth
KwaZulu-Natal was a favoured destination for tourists from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Western countries that preferred KwaZulu-Natal as an ideal travel destination were the United States, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands.
Statistics reveal that Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, welcomed the following visitors:
- Zimbabwe – 202,428
- Mozambique – 182,397
- Lesotho – 129,804
- United States – 37,530
- United Kingdom – 25,724
- The Netherlands – 14,939
Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority, said the increase in tourists entering the province strengthened Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s role as an international gateway to South Africa.
“KZN is fast proving its resilience and competitiveness. The July results show the province’s ability to attract key SADC neighbours as well as long-haul travellers from the USA and UK,” Gumbi added.
Tourism stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal were in agreement that the province needed to use this growth as an opportunity to unearth new tourism opportunities. The timing was ideal for sustainable and inclusive tourism ventures.
Tourism stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal have proven how innovation can lead to transformative and sustainable tourism in the province.
Brett Tungay, the provincial chair of FEDHASA (Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa), praised certain private establishments for going solar, in a bid to escape the effects of load-shedding.
“A standout adaptation is the adoption of hybrid solar-battery energy models by independent lodges and city hotels, which not only shield them from load-shedding but are now marketed as part of the guest experience (‘sustainable, uninterrupted stays’).
“Some operators have extended this to water-capture and recycling systems that guarantee resilience during municipality shortages,” added Tungay.
What do you believe should be done to sustain tourism in KwaZulu-Natal?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 11.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
