Durban rolls out the red carpet for over 45,000 visitors at the Hollywoodbets Durban July

Durban is ready to roll out the red carpet for visitors as the city co-hosts the 129th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.

These are the words of eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, who expressed his excitement during the launch of festivities at Weston Square and The Barn, the city’s newly developed lifestyle and retail hub touted as the region's "Midrand", strategically situated between Durban and Pietermaritzburg.

The Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse will be the epicentre of this prestigious horse racing event taking place on Saturday, drawing close to 45 000 local and international visitors.

This influx is expected to result in a significant boost for the local economy, with hotel occupancy anticipated to reach 80% over the event weekend.

Xaba addressed local media and dignitaries, including the Chairperson of Economic Development and Planning, Thembo Ntuli, and marketing leaders from Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle Racing.

He enthusiastically declared, “Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast or fashionista, the Durban July is an event you cannot miss. It remains the greatest horseracing event on the continent.”

In a bid to enrich the experience for visitors, the city has orchestrated a variety of events and entertainment options beyond the Greyville Racecourse, ensuring that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Some visitors have already arrived, and local businesses are beginning to prepare their marquees in anticipation of the festivities.

The mayor expressed confidence in the event's success, highlighting the collaborative effort with Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle Racing to deliver a stunning spectacle.

“This event presents another opportunity for Durban to demonstrate that it continues to be a premier destination for events, sports, and entertainment,” he noted, underlining the city's commitment to showcasing itself as a major player on the global stage.

Xaba emphasised the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance the overall visitor experience and maintain a safe environment for all attendees.

“Our law enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Therefore, visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the city with high police visibility,” he stated.

Durban has faced numerous challenges in the past, including the July 2021 unrest, the floods in April 2022, the Covid pandemic and not participating in Blue Flag beach status ratings in 2023, resulting in tourism being impacted. 

“As part of reviving tourism in the city, I will be meeting key role players in the tourism industry, including the hospitality sector, so that together we can develop a common programme for enhancing visitors' experiences in the city.

"This will also assist us in gaining insight into their future development plans and ensure that we are aligned,” he said.

With a focused plan for growth and revitalisation, all eyes are glued on the city as  Durban stands ready to welcome thousands to the glittering festivities of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, marking a new chapter in its journey towards rejuvenating the tourism sector.