DURBAN’s hospitality industry is likely to rake in more than R500 million just from the hotel, food and drinks bills of delegates to the UN climate summit which starts in 60 days.
This was the prediction given yesterday by Sue Bannister, deputy head of the eThekwini municipality’s strategic projects unit.
Briefing the provincial climate change summit on Durban’s state of readiness for the UN 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) summit from November 28 to December 9, Bannister said the calculation was based on 15 000 official delegates each spending R2 500 a day on accommodation, food and beverages.
Bannister said the event would bring “enormous international exposure” to Durban.
Less clear was any firm indication from her unit on the final cost of being the event’s host or what progress the delegates might make on resolving global climate change.
However, she said the city’s budget for the confernce amounted to about 1 percent of the bill for the Fifa World Cup.
“Fortunately, we don’t have to build a new stadium.”
Nevertheless, funds had been set aside to build several cycle lanes and footpaths.
“We also want to ensure that our delegates are safe and secure and have access to efficient transport.”
A major security cordon would be in place around the Durban ICC and a shuttle service would move delegates from the airport to their hotels.
While delegates would have to pay for the airport shuttle, there would be free shuttle service from hotels to the ICC. The city also hoped to lend up to 600 bikes to delegates.
Greenpeace planned to demonstrate a solar-powered cinema, while Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu and religious leaders were expected to attend a Faith Rally at Kings Park Stadium on November 27.