Mayor Xaba Launched Durban's Summer Season with a Digital Buzz

 

By Fred Felton | Oct. 6, 2026

The eThekwini Mayor Cllr Cyril Xaba launched Durban’s summer season at Tyler’s in Umdloti recently. This marked the closing of Tourism & Heritage Month and the start of a vibrant period for tourism, leisure and entertainment, while showing the City’s commitment to embracing the digital era.

Durban Summer Season is officially here! Mayor Cyril Xaba launched Durban Summer Season in the beautiful coastal setting of Umdloti, setting the tone for a vibrant season filled with unforgettable experiences, exciting events and endless opportunities to explore the city. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

At the launch there was also an unveiling of a new QR code which has been designed to provide visitors and residents with easy digital access to Durban’s tourism offerings, experiences, heritage and destination stories.

This initiative forms part of the City’s efforts to modernise the way Durban is promoted and how visitors get access to information about destinations. With a simple scan of the QR code, tourists can explore the diverse experiences that Durban has to offer, from its iconic beaches and outdoor attractions to its rich cultural heritage, entertainment, cuisine, nature and adventure attractions.

‘’Durban is a city of experiences, stories and possibilities. As we welcome visitors this summer, we want them to discover not only our beautiful beaches, but also our heritage, culture, cuisine, nature, entertainment and the many experiences that make Durban a destination worth exploring,’’ said Mayor Xaba.

Mayor Xaba said the introduction of the QR code demonstrated the City’s commitment to ensuring that tourism promotion keeps pace with changing technology and visitor expectations.

‘’Technology has changed the way people plan their journeys, discover destinations and share their experiences. We are therefore using digital platforms to bring Durban closer to visitors and ensure that our tourism offerings are accessible at their fingertips,’’ noted Mayor Xaba.

The summer season looks set to provide an important boost to the local tourism economy, supporting businesses across the hospitality, entertainment, retail, transport, events and related sectors.

Mayor Xaba alongside City officials and tourism stakeholders at the launch at Tyler's Umdloti. | Photo: Thuli Dlamini. 

The City also encouraged residents to become ambassadors for Durban by exploring local attractions, supporting tourism businesses and sharing their experiences across digital channels.

With this summer launch eThekwini further reinforced its commitment to positioning Durban as a leading tourism destination while creating opportunities for local businesses and communities to benefit from increased visitor activity.

Visitors are encouraged to explore Durban beyond the traditional attractions and discover the city’s stories, people, heritage, natural beauty and diverse tourism experiences.

Mayor Xaba unveiled QR codes designed to make it easier for visitors to discover Durban's tourism offerings. Scan. Discover. Explore. Experience Durban. 

As the summer season approaches the message is clear:

Durban is open. Durban is ready.

Durban welcomes you.