KZN Winter Tourism Season Set To Deliver R1.9 Billion Boost To Provincial Economy
KwaZulu-Natal is preparing for a strong winter tourism season, with forecasts indicating that more than 920 000 visitors will travel to the province during the upcoming school holiday period, generating close to R1.9 billion in tourism expenditure.
The latest Winter 2026 Tourism Forecast projects total arrivals of 920 320 visitors between 26 June and 20 July 2026, representing growth on the 860 035 visitors recorded during the same period last year. Domestic arrivals are expected to reach 857 107, while international arrivals are forecast at 63 213. Visitor spending is projected to increase from R1.8 billion in 2025 to R1.9 billion this year.
Winter Forecast Signals Strong Tourism Growth
The positive outlook reinforces KwaZulu-Natal’s position as South Africa’s leading winter holiday destination, supported by its warmer climate, diverse tourism offering and a calendar of events that continues to attract visitors from across the country and abroad.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi said the forecast demonstrates both the resilience of the tourism sector and the continued appeal of KwaZulu-Natal as a destination of choice.
“The projected increase in visitor numbers and tourism spend is a strong indication that KwaZulu-Natal remains one of South Africa’s most attractive destinations. Despite ongoing economic pressures, travellers continue to prioritise experiences, and our province offers exceptional value through its unique combination of coastline, nature, culture, entertainment, heritage and hospitality.”
MEC Zondi said the province’s ability to offer a diverse range of experiences across multiple destinations remains one of its greatest strengths.
“Few destinations can offer visitors the opportunity to enjoy major sporting and lifestyle events, world-class beaches, mountain escapes, cultural experiences, wildlife attractions and film and creative industry events within a single province. This diversity continues to make KwaZulu-Natal attractive to families, leisure travellers, adventure seekers and business visitors alike.”
Major Events Set To Drive Visitor Demand
The winter season follows the successful Comrades Marathon, which attracted approximately 24 000 runners, including around 2 500 international participants from more than 80 countries. The momentum continues with major events including the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Ballito Pro, Durban International Film Festival, concerts, cultural festivals and sporting events across the province.
Industry Stakeholders Back Positive Outlook
The hospitality sector has welcomed the positive outlook.
Brett Tungay, National Chairperson of FEDHASA, said:
“The hospitality sector is entering the Winter 2026 school holiday period with a high degree of optimism. Accommodation establishments across KwaZulu-Natal are reporting encouraging booking trends, with strong demand from both the domestic leisure market and regional visitors. Occupancy levels are tracking well across the province, particularly in key tourism nodes such as Durban, the North Coast, the Drakensberg and the Midlands.
Major events play a vital role in stimulating travel demand, extending visitor stays and supporting restaurants, attractions and local businesses. These events showcase the diversity and vibrancy of KwaZulu-Natal and contribute significantly to tourism spend. FEDHASA remains positive about the outlook for Winter 2026 and believes the sector is well positioned to build on the strong momentum being experienced across the province.”
Southern Sun’s Operations Director for the KwaZulu-Natal region, Samantha Croft, noted that many leisure travellers are booking closer to departure dates than in previous years. She said major events continue to drive hotel demand, while Durban’s mild winter climate and warm Indian Ocean waters remain key attractions for visitors.
Regional Destinations Ready For Winter Visitors
Across the South Coast, tourism operators are anticipating increased activity during the winter holiday period. South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise reports growing interest from domestic and regional travellers, supported by the annual Sardine Run, school holidays and a calendar of sporting, cultural and community events.
The North Coast is similarly anticipating a busy season. Enterprise iLembe reports encouraging booking trends and growing visitor interest from key domestic source markets, particularly families and leisure travellers seeking coastal experiences. Events such as the Ballito Pro continue to drive tourism demand while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities.
Beyond the coastline, inland destinations continue to play an important role in KwaZulu-Natal’s winter tourism offering.
Tegan Peacock, General Manager of the Midlands Meander Association, said:
“Travellers are moving away from passive sightseeing and seeking something more meaningful – real connections with people, places and culture.”
She added:
“The Midlands Meander is built on family-run businesses and passionate independent operators – and that’s exactly what makes it special.”
The Drakensberg is also expecting a positive winter season. According to a snap poll conducted by James Seymour, Chairman of the Drakensberg Experience and the uThukela Drakensberg Cluster, among member tourism businesses, respondents are forecasting average occupancy of approximately 68% during the July school holiday period, with the majority expecting occupancy levels above 60%. While tourism operators continue to cite fuel costs and road conditions as challenges, the overall outlook for the region remains positive.
Film Festival Adds Creative Energy To The Winter Season
The Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), taking place from 23 July to 2 August, is expected to contribute to winter visitor arrivals by attracting filmmakers, industry professionals, students, media representatives and film enthusiasts from across South Africa and abroad.
Durban International Film Festival Manager Glorify Gumede said:
“DIFF will play a significant role in attracting visitors to Durban and KwaZulu-Natal by bringing together filmmakers, industry professionals, students, media representatives and film enthusiasts from across South Africa and around the world.”
Gumede said the festival supports the tourism economy through accommodation bookings, local transportation, employment and visitor spending, while showcasing Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as vibrant cultural destinations.
Tourism Growth Supports Businesses And Communities
MEC Zondi said tourism remains one of the province’s most important economic sectors because of its ability to support a broad range of businesses and create opportunities across the value chain.
“Tourism growth benefits far more than hotels and attractions. It supports restaurants, transport providers, tour guides, event organisers, crafters, community enterprises and countless small businesses whose livelihoods depend on visitor activity. Our focus is to ensure that tourism growth translates into meaningful economic opportunities across all regions of KwaZulu-Natal.”
He said the Authority’s winter campaign, WOZOBONA! It’s Showtime in KZN, aims to encourage visitors to explore more of the province and experience the diversity of attractions available throughout its districts.
“As visitors finalise their winter travel plans, KwaZulu-Natal stands ready to welcome visitors with world-class events, diverse experiences and the warm hospitality for which our province is known.”
About KZN Tourism and Film Authority
It is a new entity merging KZN Film and Tourism KZN. Its main goals are to promote and market the tourist and audio-visual sectors, facilitate sector development, provide sustainable growth and job opportunities, and address historical infrastructural, skills, and resource inequalities.
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