S. Africa coastal city Durban eyes tourism growth during the festive season

JOHANNESBURG, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- The coastal city of Durban is aiming to raise over 236 million U.S. dollars from projected 1.3 million local and international visitors during this festive season.

This was revealed by EThekwini municipality where Durban is situated in a statement on Friday.

The coastal city is frequented by local and international tourist during the festive season. The city said the hotels facing the beaches are now 80 percent full from December 21, 2017 to January 5, 2018. Other hotels in the city are 90 percent full.

"For the 2017 summer season, which starts from December 1, 2017 and ends in February 2018, it is projected that 1.3 million visitors will set foot on Durban shores bringing in a direct spend of approximately over 236 million U.S dollars sustaining annualized jobs of 10,451," said EThekwini Municipality in a statement.

EThekwini municipality meantime requested the tourists to abide by the rules. Since December 1, 2017 to date, a total of 450 driver have been arrested for drunken driving with eight major accidents reported and attended to timely. Enditem