KZN braces for busy winter as July holiday visitors set to top 920,000
KZN Tourism and Film Authority said in a statement on Monday that they are expecting a bumper July holiday with more than 920 000 visitors expected to travel to the province during the upcoming school holiday period, generating close to R1.9 billion in tourism expenditure
Image: File supplied
KwaZulu-Natal's tourism industry is anticipating a strong July school holiday season, with more than 920,000 visitors expected to travel to the province and spend close to R1.9 billion, according to the KZN Tourism and Film Authority
The authority said its Winter 2026 Tourism Forecast projects total arrivals of 920,320 visitors between June 26 and July 20, representing an increase from the 860,035 visitors recorded during the same period last year.
Domestic tourists are expected to account for the bulk of arrivals at 857,107 visitors, while international arrivals are forecast to reach 63,213.
Visitor spending is expected to rise from R1.8 billion in 2025 to R1.9 billion this year, providing a welcome boost to the provincial economy and tourism-related businesses.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Rev. Musa Zondi, said the forecast highlighted both the resilience of the tourism sector and the province's enduring appeal.
“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," Zondi said.
He noted that despite ongoing economic pressures, travellers continue to prioritise experiences and that the province offers a unique mix of attractions.
“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.”
Brett Tungay, national chairperson of Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA), said accommodation establishments across the province are reporting encouraging booking trends.
“Accommodation establishments across KwaZulu-Natal are reporting encouraging booking trends, with strong demand from both the domestic leisure market and regional visitors,” Tungay said.
“Occupancy levels are tracking well across the province, particularly in key tourism nodes such as Durban, the North Coast, the Drakensberg and the Midlands.”
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise, said a combination of the annual Sardine Run, school holidays and a packed events calendar was helping to drive demand.
“The combination of the annual Sardine Run, school holidays, and a packed calendar of sporting, cultural and community events is generating positive momentum for the destination," he said.
"Accommodation establishments and tourism operators are reporting increased enquiries and bookings as visitors plan their winter getaways.”
Sibiya added that the Sardine Run remains one of our biggest tourism drawcards and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
“This natural phenomenon creates exceptional opportunities for ocean-based experiences, including fishing, diving, ocean safaris and whale watching. Coupled with our beaches, nature reserves and winter events, these activities are expected to drive significant visitor demand.”
Sibiya also said that the winter tourism season plays an important role in supporting the local economy.
“Increased visitor numbers benefit accommodation establishments, restaurants, tour operators, retail businesses and informal traders, while also creating employment opportunities and stimulating economic activity within communities across the South Coast.”
Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Naomi Crous said that the forecasted growth for the Winter 2026 season is wonderful news for KwaZulu-Natal and the tourism sector as a whole.
“Tourism remains a vital driver of economic opportunity and we are confident that this winter season will deliver meaningful benefits for local businesses and communities across our region," she said.
"As Umhlanga Tourism we are ready and excited to welcome both domestic and international visitors to Umhlanga and the North Coast, where warm hospitality, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable experiences await this winter.”
James Seymour, chairman of the Drakensberg Experience and the uThukela Drakensberg Cluster, said member tourism businesses are forecasting average occupancy levels of about 68% during the July school holiday period, with most establishments expecting occupancy above 60%.
“While tourism operators continue to cite fuel costs and road conditions as challenges, the overall outlook for the region remains positive.”
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