Durban - With thousands of tourists expected to flock into Durban, city officials say they are more than prepared for the holiday crowds.
Speaking during the launch of the Durban Festive Season Campaign at the International Convention Centre, mayor James Nxumalo said the summer season was not just about December and January, but was a culmination of planning, initiatives and activities throughout the year.
Nxumalo said the aim was to have a year-round tourism offering, with the summer season being the “cherry on top”.
“Figures for the full year in 2013 indicate that Durban attracted 3.8 million domestic tourists with a total spend of R4.6-billion. Foreign tourists totalling about 600 000 brought in R4.28bn in 2013,” he said.
Nxumalo said that this festive season, the city expected a hike in the numbers of both domestic and international tourists from last year’s figure of 865 000.
“We are estimating socio-economic spin-offs of approximately R2bn this festive season, with almost 1 million visitors expected,” he said.
The city’s spokeswoman, Tozi Mthethwa, said all systems were in place to ensure that locals and national and international visitors had an enjoyable summer break.
“Law-enforcement agencies will be deployed in various areas within the municipality,” said Mthethwa.
Additional lifeguards and pool guards had been employed to ensure the safety of bathers.
Mthethwa said 35 beach buddies and 36 childminders had been employed.
“However, we cannot stress enough that people should not swim at night, or after consuming alcohol. It is also crucial that people listen to instructions given by lifeguards,” she said.
Mthethwa said that to minimise traffic congestion, roads leading to the beachfront would be closed during peak periods and only permit holders would be allowed to drive through the boom gates to the beachfront.
The peak periods are December 13 to 17 and 24 to 27 and December 31 to January 2.
The Mercury