Durban has officially launched its summer tourism season, with the City introducing a new digital initiative aimed at making it easier for visitors and residents to discover what the destination has to offer. The launch took place at Tyler's in Umdloti, marking the close of Tourism and Heritage Month and the start of the summer period.
A key feature of the launch was the unveiling of a new QR code, which provides digital access to Durban's tourism offerings, experiences, heritage and destination stories. By scanning the code, users can explore a range of experiences across the city, including its beaches and outdoor attractions, as well as its cultural heritage, entertainment, cuisine, nature and adventure offerings.
eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba said the summer season provides an opportunity for Durban to showcase itself as a destination that continues to embrace innovation while retaining its identity. He emphasized that Durban is a city of experiences, stories and possibilities, and encouraged visitors to discover not only its beautiful beaches, but also its heritage, culture, cuisine, nature, entertainment and many experiences that make Durban a destination worth exploring.
The QR code reflects the City's efforts to ensure tourism promotion keeps pace with changing technology and visitor expectations. Mayor Xaba noted that technology has changed the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and share their experiences, and that the City is using digital platforms to bring Durban closer to visitors and make its tourism offerings accessible at their fingertips.
The summer season is expected to provide a boost to the local tourism economy, supporting businesses across the hospitality, entertainment, retail, transport, events and related sectors. The City is also encouraging residents to act as ambassadors for Durban by exploring local attractions, supporting tourism businesses and sharing their experiences on digital platforms.
The launch forms part of eThekwini's efforts to position Durban as a leading tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor activity. As the summer season gets under way, visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the city's traditional attractions and discover its stories, people, heritage, natural beauty and diverse tourism experiences.
The message from the City is clear: Durban is open, Durban is ready and Durban welcomes you. With the new digital guide, visitors can now easily access information about the city's tourism offerings and experiences, making it easier for them to plan their trip and make the most of their stay in Durban.
Key points
- Durban has launched a new QR code that provides digital access to its tourism offerings and experiences.
- The summer season is expected to provide a boost to the local tourism economy, supporting businesses across various sectors.
- The City is encouraging residents to act as ambassadors for Durban by exploring local attractions and sharing their experiences on digital platforms.
