The Amphitheatre in the Northern Drakensberg. KZN Tourism is forecasting a bumper winter holiday season.
Image: South African Tourism
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 from 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 bn in 2025 to R1.9 bn this year.
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."
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.
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 said there are 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.
Moving inland, 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."
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