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Welcome to the Durban Experience blog. Philip Sithole is Durban's Head of Business Support and Tourism.
His blog aims to share his thoughts, experiences and insights into some of the major happenings in and around our City, Durban. |
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Durban Experience > Media Centre > Blog
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| Durban’s Fun Season is now in full swing and a range of action packed events have already set the tone this Winter in the City. To ignite the Comrades Weekend Durban Tourism have arranged a Know Your City Challenge which is the city’s “amazing race” themed challenge taking place in the heart of Durban, starting from Durban Green Hub and ending at Moyos uShaka Marine World.
The Know Your City Campaign is held annually in Durban and hosts a variety of activities in and around the city. The main objective of this initiative is to educate our locals on the value of tourism to the city of Durban, the benefits of being tourist friendly and to understand the key tourist attractions that Durban has to offer. The Know Your City Campaign aims to encourage Durban residents to explore new areas of interest and attractions within the city.
“It is Durban Tourisms goal to encourage city’s residents to become tourist in their own city so we can get to measure the impact of our work towards promoting our city as the best destination. We want our citizens to be exposed to the great tourism potential Durban has to offer and unique attractions that are embedded in rich history, culture and heritage offered by the city of Durban. We want our citizens to have the confidence in that we have a world class city and for them to become tourism ambassadors that can confidently sell their city wherever they are and to whomever they meet” says Phillip Sithole, Head of Durban Tourism.
This time around Durban Tourism have engaged Gagasi FM and Kaya FM to be media partners and will broadcast live during the challenge. Durban Tourism has lined up a variety of competitive activities that will test each teams character and determination to be crowned the 2013 Know Your City Champion at a function to be held at Moyo uShaka Pier. These activities are held in various attractions that best showcase Durban and it includes a number of set challenges that best define what the City is all about. These challenges are set out in the following format:
- Durban Green Hub - 08:30 to 10:00
The Green Challenge: Designed to send competitors on a multi sport journey in and around the Green Hub, Blue Lagoon. Activities include canoes, mountain bikes and a problem-solving task where competitors will be tested both mentally and physically.
- Moses Mabhida Stadium - 10:10 to 10:40
Big Rush Challenge: Each team will choose 1 member of their group to jump from the top of the stadium.
Clued Up Challenge: Participants will travel around the Moses Mabhida system where they have to find clues hidden across the stadium
- Suncoast Casino Hotels and Entertainment World - 10:50 to 11:25
Sunfit Challenge: Each team will go through a boot camp where each team must complete a set of exercises. The team to complete all the boot camp activities in the fastest time will earn maximum points and win a prize.
- KwaMuhle Museum - 11:40 to 12:10
The Traditional Beer Challenge: Each team will be given a variety of ingredients and they must figure out what is the correct ingredients that goes into making traditional beer.
- The Beach Front - 12:25 to 12:45
The Beach Olympics Challenge: This includes a variety of activities including Ricksha Run, Tug of War and Hip Wadle race to mention but a few activities. It is a test for endurance sporting challenge for each participating team.
- uShaka Marine World - 12:50 to 13:30
The Marine Challenge: This series includes a variety of activities that takes place at Ushaka Marine world including but not limited to Wet and Wild Slides and burger eating competitions.
Know your City Campaign is part of Durban’s Fun Season campaign taking place during winter months showcasing and celebrating our cities attractions and destinations.
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| The City is now ready to warmly welcome the thousands of delegates attending Indaba 2013. Every year in May the city is profiled with key tourism industry players, visiting the city for this great business to business 4 day trade show. It’s now 2 days before the official opening and the city and province have been working tirelessly to put together what has become the biggest Tourism and Travel show in Africa. The Hotels are almost fully booked, restaurants are stocking up and even the informal traders are looking forward to this annual event, which has been voted Africa's Best Travel and Tourism Show by the World Travel Awards. Attendance figures show that Indaba attracted 10793 delegates from 88 countries in 2012 and this year we expected an even greater show with greater exposure and business to be generated. It will attract well over 10,000 participants from the travel and tourism industry. Just more than 1300 exhibitors have confirmed their attendance at this year’s event. Over 700 media will be attending, 252 of these are international media representatives. Indaba continues to have a positive economic impact estimated to well over R200 million for the city of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal.
The theme this year at Indaba focuses on Culture and Heritage. Durban Tourism has put together an itinerary of vibrant activities that are aimed at showcasing our unique part of the world to our visitors. Over 780 international and local media applications were approved for this event which means that Durban Tourism will leverage off media and trade buyers visiting the city by hosting them on unique experience tours around the city including taking German based media on an Art Deco Route Tour. Travel Buyers from Nordic Countries and Africa will also be given a taste of Township Tourism and a tour to Umlazi Township has been planned, international media will also be hosted to a cultural event at KwaMashu – KCAP. Durban’s expertise and capacity to handle successful events and campaigns enables us to create the most memorable of experiences for the Indaba delegates.
Durban Tourism’s Activities begins with the Launch of the National Geographic Documentary which will be held at the Playhouse Company on Friday, 10 May 2013. Durban Tourism successfully launched the National Geographic documentary in London with over 60 trade buyers and international media. This documentary launch has positioned the city in new markets with over 360 million viewers in 160 countries. This documentary is aimed at globally showcasing the City of Durban and its vibe, lifestyle and culture of this beautiful city. We pride ourselves as the leading destination domestically and now we want to be recognised around the world. Our ultimate goal is to convert all those that will view our documentary into visitors but we had to start by exposing our city to them
On Saturday, the opening night of Indaba our visitors will be exposed to a Carnival Welcome Party at the Durban Amphitheatre. The vibrant theme will fuse various cultures through music and fun activities. The welcome party will feature popular artists such as, Teargas, Napalma an AfroBrazilian Band from Johannesburg, Manteca - an Authentic 12 piece AfroCuban Salsa and our local DJ Siyanda who will keep our guests entertained throughout the night. We want our guests to experience one city with endless possibilities. |
| It’s that time of year again when the city is in great anticipation of amazing events and activities that can be enjoyed on the South Africa’s East Coast. Easter is a magical time for Durbanites and all those visiting the coast. The city of Durban is expecting a bumper long weekend and the city was proud to be host city for the 5th BRICS Summit that once again showcased Durban on a global platform as a destination of choice and as a leading events hub for South Africa. The city has a host of events that will give all our visitors great options over this period.
The Festival of Chariots is a Hindu festival that will take place at the Durban Beachfront on the 29th March – 1 April 2013. The parade is the highlight of the festival, where hundreds of festival-goers pull 20 handmade wooden chariots bearing the various Hindu Gods. Traditional 15 meter high chariots will be joined by community floats, drum majorettes, brass bands, Chinese dragons and dancers to create a wonderful carnival spirit. Inspired by His Worship Mayor Cllr. James Nxumalo’s call for socially cohesive society, the festival has adopted the theme of “Culturally Many, Spiritually one”.
All serious cyclists will be participating in the aQuelle Tour D’Urban held on the 28th April 2013 at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium. The 2013 aQuelle Tour Durban offers riders three route options, including the brand new CYCLOCROSS event. The signature event is the 105km Road Race, attracting the country’s top cycling professionals. The 45km road race has become hugely popular over the past 3 years as social riders, both road and mountain bikers, realise how easily attainable the 45km road distance is. The brand new addition to the race is the 55km Cyclocross Event, which is a new concept that combines the best of mountain biking and road cycling.
To celebrate the Easter weekend, uShaka Marine World will be hosting Africa’s Largest Easter Egg Hunt for the second year in a row on the 30th – 31st March 2013 from 7am – 9am. 100 000 Easter Eggs will be hidden around uShaka and our budding little adventurers are invited to pick as many eggs as their hearts desire and as many as their bags can hold. This Easter Egg hunt should be an ‘eggs-xilarating’ ‘eggs-xperience’ for the whole family.
The incredible weather of Durban encourages an outdoor activity culture amongst Durbanites, Tens Rugby Festival due to take place in Durban during the Easter weekend (30th – 31st March 2013) reinforces this fact. Run by ex-rugby Springbok Robert du Preez and hosted by Rovers Rugby Club, the ‘Tens format’ has already enjoyed enormous success in South Africa over the past 10 years and we are proud to announce that this year marks the inaugural East Coast Tens Rugby Festival. Teams are invited to register and enter the contest vying for the highly coveted Zulu Kingdom trophies. The organizers of the event are excited about making the game of rugby accessible to the KZN audience at all levels of skill, fitness and expertise.
Local deejays will get the crowd swaying to scintillating beats at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, kicking off the celebration of Sapphire Coast Beach Festival taking place from the 29th March – 1st April 2013. Beach Road and Rogies Park in Amanzimtoti will provide the venue for the Night Market on the 30th March 2013, held in aid of the Pregnancy Resource Centre. This night market will feature great music, a variety of stalls and delicious food. The kids can also put their angling skills to good use at the Junior Angling Bonanza at Warner Beach on the 30th March 2013.
The new annual Durban Beachfront Shorefishing Competition at the Suncoast Beach will take place during the 30th – 31st March 2013 with over R250 000 worth of prizes up for grabs. The top prize is R50 000 cash for the ambitious angler that catches the biggest spotted grunter. All Rock and Surf (R & S) anglers are invited to the two day shore fishing festival brought to you by Cast Events, ASFN and the Ethekwini Municipality. This two day event will provide anglers a platform for educational clinics by top R & S anglers, an opportunity to look at new equipment, tackle and just have some fishing fun for the entire family FREE of charge.
In keeping with the same theme, on the 6th April 2013 The Wavehouse at Gateway will host the city’s first ever Colour Festival. The concept has its roots in the Hindu religion and the annual and legendary Holi Festival in India – but in South Africa, and elsewhere, the expression is a meeting of music and magic: an electronic dance party that integrates the colour powders of Holi festival with a line-up of South Africa’s top deejays and a mission to unite all in colour.
I would like to extend our warm wishes to all our visitors and delegates that will still be enjoying our City after the Brics Summit to have a Fantastic Easter and have a safe holiday in Durban, The warmest Place To Be ! |
| The City has just recently hosted 2 big events in one weekend, incident free once again.
The 12th Metro FM Music Awards have been hailed as the best ever by organisers, nominees and viewers alike. History was made as the awards were broadcast live on SABC Live for 2hrs on the 23rd of Feb 2013. Durban artists did not disappoint with Professor taking 2 awards and new kind on the block Khaya Mthethwa scooping the coveted Best New comer award.
“From the launch last year November till the Sunday the 24 of February the City received more than R4,5 million worth of radio publicity directly from Metro FM, about R45 000 worth of TV via Selimathunzi’s SABC 1 and numerous mentions in the print media, SABC Radio stations, TV Ads etc. which was all carefully orchestrated by the Durban Tourism Events and Marketing team as marketing spin offs for the City part sponsorship of the event, Said Mr. Sithole Head Of Durban Tourism.
“The Hospitality industry saw a steady occupancy boost in the hotels around the city as well, restaurants as result. The event was a sell out with just over 5000 tickets sold and most of them sold from outside the province” continued Sithole.
Mr Visvin Reddy, a well-known Durban business man held his birthday celebrations at uShaka Marine World on the 23rd of Feb as well. About 10 000 kids were invited to the blocked off uShaka Marine World to enjoy the park and share in the celebration. Over 1000 invited guests and dignitaries descended to the city for the occasion.
The Travel Agents Federations of India (TAFI) Convention at the Durban’s Chief Albert Luthuli ICC was helf from the 24 to the 27th Feb 2013. Over a 1000 delegates graced our shores for their annual convention which rotates cities around the world. “Delegates were treated to complementary city tours, Gateway Shopping Mall tour & Sharks Board tours. On the 26th the delegates were treated to a Gala dinner in our Moses Mabhida Stadium, said Mr. Sithole.
UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS IN MARCH
R. Kelly Tour
3 Time Grammy Award winner R. Kelly is set to tour SA this March and Durban is on his itinerary. “R Kelly will be performing at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 23 March 2013 as part of his Single Ladies world tour. This event which makes the city proud its decision to build such a multifunctional stadium so as to ensure it does not become a white elephant” said Sithole.
The 5th BRICS Summit
South Africa will host the Fifth BRICS Summit on 25-27 March 2013 (and relevant meetings prior to the Summit from 24-26 March) at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre, Durban, eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, which will also complete the first cycle of BRICS summits. The opportunities presented in hosting this prestigious summit are considerable. Previous summit were held in:
- Yekaterinburg, Russia, on 16 June 2009
- Brasilia, Brazil, on 15 April 2010
- Sanya, China, on 14 April 2011
- New Delhi, India, on 29 March 2012.
BRICS is an acronym for the powerful grouping of the world’s leading emerging market economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The BRICS mechanism aims to promote peace, security, development and cooperation. It also aims at contributing significantly to the development of humanity and establishing a more equitable and fair world. BRICS countries have individually emerged to assume new economic rankings.
“The City Durban will once again be in the international spotlight by hosting a summit of such high magnitude. We are no stranger to holding events of such prestige having recently successfully hosted the COP 17, IOC (International Olympics Committee), we have no doubt that we will once again excel in hospitality, welcoming and staging a world class summit” said Mr Phillip Sithole, HOD Durban Tourism. |
| KwaZulu-Natal is ready to host the Travel Agents Federations of India (TAFI) Convention to be held in Durban from 24-27 February 2013. The TAFI Executive Committee is in KZN for the last recee to ensure that the province is well prepared for one of the biggest travel trade convention. This convention is hosted in partnership with Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA).
The TAFI Executives arrived in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, 3 February; to conduct site inspections at UShaka Marine World, Moses Mabhida Stadium and the ICC, where they will also sample the food that will be served to delegates during the convention and related events. Furthermore, they will be meeting with partners from the Tsogo Sun, Durban Tourism, Trade & Investment KZN, Tourism KZN, the Indian consulate and the MEC for Economic Development & Tourism; Mr Michael Mabuyakhulu.
This annual convention will bring close to nine hundred delegates from India, who will have an opportunity to explore and sample tourism products and attractions of KwaZulu-Natal with the intention to package and sell the destination to their clients in India.
The United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) projects that in 10 years an estimated 70 % of the world’s travels will come from the East. The TAFI Convention will be a great platform to educate the travel trade on the KZN tourism products that will be on demand with the Indian market and to create new packages and itineraries featuring KZN. This will also be a great opportunity for the local tourism trade to create business to business partnerships and linkages with the travel trade from India, who will give them access to this high volume tourism growth market.
South African Tourism has identified the Indian market as a rapidly growing market for South Africa. India is one of the few markets that have recorded a growth of 26% in arrivals in South Africa year on year since 2010.
India provides a great opportunity to grow the Durban/Dubai Emirates route that flies daily to KZN, with 185 flights a week landing in Dubai from 10 destinations in India.
The BRICS countries formation qualifies India as an important and strategic market for South Africa and KZN, with a prospective for developing a route between India and Durban.
“The fact that the BRICS Summit will be hosted a month after the TAFI Convention, gives us confidence that this will definitely go a long way in growing tourist numbers from India,” says Mr Ndabo Khoza, Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KZN.
“The delegates of TAFI will also be partaking on pre and post tours that will see them sampling a variety of our products, ranging from game viewing in Hluhluwe to indulging on our spa and golfing facilities across the province. It is without a doubt that the TAFI delegates will return home with KZN as a top of mind destination for them to bring more of their clients to our shores,” continued Mr Khoza
TAFI and SATSA have also signed an ‘Enhanced Value Package’ that will ensure that relationship between the two countries continues beyond the convention. This package will see local entities like Durban Chamber and Tourism KZN hosting, hoteliers, travel media, members of the Chambers of Commerce and the film fraternity from Bollywood in order to position KZN as a key destination for investment, tourism and film in the Indian market.
This year’s convention themed “Navigating the Future” pays tribute to the changes and development in the travel industry and the province of KZN intends to be in the forefront of that change in the future. |
| With most hotels along the beachfront full to capacity, Durban hotels are regarding this December to the beginning of January as “one of the best years for business” Further south, Sapphire Tourism in Amanzimtoti reported 89% occupancy their establishments during the period.
The beaches were packed with bathers and sun-worshippers from near and far and the good weather gave real meaning to the city’s “Durban The Warmest place to be” slogan, a welcome respite after months of rainy and grey days. Visitors to the beach were estimated at more than 700 000 during this period.
While the initial data will only be finalized towards the end of January, Durban Tourism Head Phillip Sithole said that “these positive early indicators are evidence of the positive and aggressive marketing approach of Durban Tourism in partnership with tourism stakeholders, event organisers and the hospitality industry to cement the position of Durban as number one domestic tourism destination in the country.”
He said that aside of the traditional amenities that Durban was famous for such as beaches, tourist attractions and nightlife, events were a key component to attracting people to the city. “While people look forward to relaxing for their annual break, they also want to be entertained, and Durban has always been able to offer something extra when it comes to events and entertainment”
All major anchor events were packed to capacity and visitors were entertained by the much-anticipated Chris Brown Concert on the 17th of December, and the Durban Jazz Festival on the 26th of December, which wowed the crowd with international artist Kenny Latimore and African sensation Ishmael Lo. The 31st saw the landmark “Fact Durban Rocks” concert taking both visitors and locals into the New Year with a bang. To kick off the New Year, the uMgababa Picnic was the place to be on the 1st of January 2013. Over 80 000 revelers attended these festivals which showed us that people are hungry for good fun and entertainment. No incidents were reported at these events and we would like to thank all those who attended for their good behavior.
Iconic Durban attractions reported good numbers. The ever popular uShaka Marine world reported a 3% increase in admissions over this period to over 297 000 admissions in December alone, with revenue increasing by 5%. Restaurants at the UShaka were packed and diners were at 102% above initially projected numbers, said Bongani Mthiyane Marketing Manager of Ushaka. Suncoast Casino, Hotel & Entertainment reported foot traffic some 965 173 visitors during December and the Suncoast Towers and SunSquare Suncoast hotel reported 83.46% occupancy, 2.5% up from last year.
Festive season shopping was not left out of the picture and retail sales have been encouraging. The Pavilion Shopping Centre reported an increase in foot traffic during this period with more than 2.3 million visitors to the centre.
The general feeling amongst tenants was that “business was good in light of the current economic climate”. Revenue figures are yet to finalised.
“Despite a general economic downturn and a slow recovery with consumers having more demands on their pockets, we are very encouraged to see that people have chosen to spend their holidays in Durban, and have been sufficiently attracted to the city so as to have increased their spending,” said Sithole. He said he expected this positive outlook to continue into 2013.
With the festive season over our main focus shifts to the preparations for the AFCON and we urge all South Africans and more especially Durbanites to go buy tickets and support our National Team.
The Volvo Golf championship also adds another positive towards positive economic impact and Durban brand exposure to the international visitors and tourists.
The ANC rally this week end is also going to draw large to the City, and that will be a big boost to local tourism industry in terms of accommodation and entertainment.
The 2012 was a good year, but 2013 promises even more in terms of events and conferences. |
| 2012 has been a very successful year for Durban Tourism and major milestones were achieved. The strategic partnership with National Geographic Television has taken off extremely well globally and we are ready to launch the mind-blowing documentary in March next year.
Durban was also aggressively marketed nationally and internationally on various platforms. The Durban footprint into the emerging markets of Brazil and Africa, and most recently tapping into the potential market of the Nordic region, will definitely yield long- term results in achieving our marketing objectives. We have realised that we need to work more forcefully and strategically with our trade partners to meet the demands of the international market, that are constantly scouting for new destinations with a difference. So we are in for some exciting and challenging times ahead!
The City is now in full preparation for a successful summer combined with anchor events like AFCON and the Metro FM Awards early next year. Our Summer Activation plans this year include a strong media partnership with 2000FM, which will have outside broadcasts at all the major beach festivals and iconic attractions stretching from the Sapphire Coast and the Valley of 1000 Hills to Umhlanga and our central beaches. The main aim is to nationally inform listeners about the attractions of the city and describe the vibe of the beach festivals to entice more domestic visitors. So be on the look-out for 2000FM as the crew invades our shores from 7-15 December 2012 and then heads off to KZN Wildlife’s properties. This year Durban Tourism is also in partnership with Engen One Stop on a massive activation drive to ensure all visitors coming into the city are warmly welcomed and handed out a Summer Guide as a tool to plan their days ahead in the city.
The Durban Tourism Team is constantly coming up with innovative and creative ways to market the city of Durban, and next year we will definitely arrange more forums to collectively discuss future initiatives.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our trade partners who fully supported all our initiatives this year and had the confidence and trust in us to lead the way. Without you Durban could never have accomplished all that we have achieved!
To all our Visitors we would like you to experience Durban like never before, we have so many new attractions and restaurants for you to experience - the atmosphere in the city is incredible. Contact any one of our offices to get your holiday ideas and full programme of events that are not to be missed out!
Have a wonderful festive season and a prosperous New Year, and we look forward to strengthening our relationships and creating new bonds in 2013.
Have a great Summer Holiday in Sunsational Durban – 100 % Pure Summer… |
| The City of Durban is extremely proud to be in partnership with our very own homegrown and dynamic East Coast Radio on their 2nd Durban Day Event which is held during Tourism Month and Celebrate Durban. The “Celebrate Durban Halala eThekwini” takes place annually in September and the Council undertakes this festival to celebrate our cultural diversity – our music, arts, food and dance. The Celebrate Durban Festival is scheduled for September each year to coincide with the school holidays, Heritage month and the beginning of spring. The main purpose of the programme is to promote civic pride and create economic opportunities through arts, culture and heritage.
The East Coast Radio’s Durban Day has become a highlight in our city's Celebrate Durban calendar and is fast becoming a flagship 'funsunzi' event. We believe being a part of this exciting day our locals can enjoy a fantastic lineup of entertainment with a captive audience that enjoys the 'funsunzi' lifestyle unique to our province.
Durban Day is now a permanent fixture on the KZN diary, taking its place alongside the province’s other iconic events like the Comrades Marathon; the Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk; the Duzi Canoe Marathon; the Vodacom Durban July, Spar Ladies Race.
The venue, Moses Mabhida Stadium, Peoples Park is the ideal venue for an event of this magnitude. It provides a safe family environment with a very relaxed atmosphere. Typically, families and groups of youngsters will bring along picnic baskets and blankets, deckchairs and all the gear required for a fun day out. Durban Day is not only enjoyed by those attending, but by all those listeners that cannot attend the event as we broadcast live from the event.
Durban Day is set to continue evolving in coming years. We wish Durban Day all the success and may it grow into an anchor event annually for the City. |
| The next 2 months is an exciting time for the Tourism Industry in Durban. Durban Tourism will start it’s International Campaign, as for the first time in history, Durban will have exposure on National Geographic. The Channel be screening the Durban vignette– Sounds of the City, to more than 40 million viewers, 363 million households across 160 countries- every week for the next two and half years. The Campaign is aimed at showcasing the diversity and multi-culturism of the city and portray unique stories through the eyes of its people. So watch out for this heart-warming, brilliant vignette of Durban that will bring shivers down your spine!!!
The next big event for Durban is the 14th Annual Durban Business Fair, which is schedule to take place between 18 – 24 September 2012.The Fair has been enhanced to a comprehensive and highly interactive business gathering that attracts government entities, corporates, SMMEs, NGOs and education institutions. This year’s edition will be a build up to a momentous 15-year celebration for the Fair.
The Fair will commence with a two-day Business Conference on 18 and 19 September 2012 at Durban ICC and culminate with an extended FOUR DAY Exhibition on 21 to 21 September 2012 at Durban Exhibition Centre, with 24 September being a BONUS DAY without extra cost to exhibitors. Building from a new brand that was introduced last year, which was well received by the broader business community, We have decided to extend the duration of the Fair from just three days to a full week of informative and exciting activities. This will ensure that there is increased interaction and greater exposure for businesses that will participate in the Fair.
Information sharing will be enhanced through the two-day Business Conference, which discuss topics such as maritime, infrastructure development and the transport sector. This conference will be address by highly credible speakers who will provide valuable business expertise. The Fair will continue to expose businesses and other organisations to the latest innovative trends in various sectors. It also offers them an opportunity to network with fellow businesses and gives them access to potential clients through limitless interactions.
The Durban Business Fair is one of the platforms created by the City to fast-track business development and instils entrepreneurial acumen and expertise in order to produce innovative and successful enterprises that contribute to the overall economic growth in the City and country at large.
SMMEs, corporates, Government Departments and Entities, Non-Profit Organisations and other stakeholders should take this opportunity and register to participate in the upcoming Fair, which has been enhanced with more business insight, extended duration, and more activities aimed at maximising information sharing and achieving greater exposure.
Registration for the Business Conference and Exhibition is now open. We are calling on all interested parties to register now as spaces are limited. Contact Ikhono Communications on 031 266 9937 /8 or email: info@ikhono.co.za
September is also Tourism Month and the city has lined up a host of activities in the local communities to educate the public on the value of Tourism and to showcase our unique attractions and experiences. Woza eNanda will be on the spotlight this year with an exciting Amazing Race Challenge taking place towards the end of September – watch press for further details.
We want every Durbanite to become a proud citizen of their city and advocate the feeling of warmth, friendliness, knowledge, loyalty, respect and enthusiasm and more importantly become proud ambassadors for the City of Durban both locally and globally. |
| Durban’s winter season is just Incredible ! Whilst most Cities are in winter mode, The City of Durban just stands out as being the place to be, with beautiful warm balmy days and the A list of the best sporting and social events to add to your Diary!!!
Without a doubt Durban will be transformed into a massive Party Zone this weekend showcasing our visitors the ultimate nightlife experience in Durban. Pre and post parties have been planned stretching from Florida Road, Ushaka Marine World, Peoples Park - Fact Durban Rocks Event to the ever popular Township Hotspots in Cleremont and Umlazi. Compared to cosmopolitan Beach City’s like Miami, Durban can definitely live up to its expectations, when it comes to lifestyle and the sheer beach city vibe.
On Saturday 7 July, Durban’s Greyville Racecourse plays host to the Africa’s greatest horseracing event the Vodacom Durban July. This is the city’s ultimate day out and fashion extravaganza. On the racing side, it continues to attract the best horses, owners, jockeys and trainers and an expected crowd of 55 000 visitors. The fantastic mix of 71 of the nation’s finest racing thoroughbreds, high fashion, and beautiful people creates a vibe that cannot be matched anywhere else in Southern Africa. The Raceday triggers a massive spend on travel, hospitality and direct spending that tops R300 million. The Economic impact on an event of this nature is a massive boost for the tourism industry with a cash injection that exceeds R500 million.
A few days later, the world’s richest and most famous football club, Manchester United will descend on our Durban shores on 18 July 2012 to play against Amazulu at Moses Mabhida Stadium. We are thrilled to have this exhilarating match in our City and it will be a real treat for our local Man United Fans that can also get a chance of attending an open training session a day before the big match. The match will co-incide with the 94th birthday celebrations of Nelson Mandela and we urge everyone to set aside 90 + 4 minutes to do some community service and join us in singing Happy Birthday to Madiba just before kickoff.
Durban truly is the place to be this season and to feel alive! The beaches are spectacular at this time of year .The Umhlanga Winter Carnival from 5-8 July 2012 will get beachgoers basking in the winter sun whilst families will be entertained with great beach activities and live entertainment showcasing some of the finest jazz bands. For the adventurous the Annual Winter Trail will be held on Sunday 7 July 2012.
The KZN Military Tattoo takes place on 11 July 2012 at the KZN Mounted Rifles, showcasing the best of military culture and music available in KZN. The highly established military tattoos have re-established a proud tradition for future generations and we are fortunate to welcome the Royal Hospital School to play in Durban.
This year The Durban Airshow on 14July at the Virginia Airport is a must-see, , the show will see the country’s top aviators perform spectacular stunts in Mirage planes, Pitt’s Specials, KK117 helicopters, jets and for the first time a SA debut, 2 World War 2 N American P-51 Mustangs that are definitely going to be spectacular sight.
The 33rd Durban International Film Festival, South Africa’s largest and longest running film festival takes place from 19 – 29 July. With more than 200 films from 77 countries, the festival offers a selection of the finest in world cinema.
For all the Food connoisseurs, the Pick n Pay Taste of Durban which takes place from 27 – 29 July 2012 is regarded as the world’s largest restaurant festival, takes place at Suncoast Casino & Entertainment World.
A bumper crowd is still visiting the East Coast Radio House & Garden Show, at the Durban Exhibition Centre which ends on 8 July. Some of the latest trends and wares on the home and lifestyle front will be presented by more than 300 exhibitors. So come to the show to check out trendy décor, take tips from experts, and sample great food while listening to good music and shopping under one roof.
Your options are endless this Winter …Whether you’re hitting the luxurious spa’s, sitting in the sun, visiting the Thousand rolling Hills or taking a journey though history with the Woza eNanda Heritage Route or maybe diving with the Sharks at Ushaka Marine World , dining on world class cuisine and not forgetting the fresh sardines this time of the year , you will feel alive, and ready for fun because Durban’s Never Been this Incredible and Inviting! Have a wonderful Stay in our City, capture the best moments and to the locals become a Proud Durbanite! |
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