ETHEKWINI’S revival as a premium tourist destination is gaining momentum, with Durban being named among Time Out Worldwide’s top 20 world destinations to visit in 2026.
The city secured 14th place, ahead of Saint Helena Island (15th) and Barra dos Remédios (16th), cementing its growing global appeal. Time Out South Africa Content Director Andrew Hallett said Durban’s enduring charm lies in its climate and culture. “Many travellers to South Africa will opt for Cape Town or the Kruger National Park, but I’m here to steer you towards Durban,” he said.
“If you’re more of a DIY traveller, Durban and its surrounds offer majestic mountain hikes in the Drakensberg, Big 5 and wetlands adventures, arty escapes along the Midlands Meander, some of the best waves to catch for surfers and plenty of golden beaches. It’s also home to a smorgasbord of the most delicious food in the country, in large part thanks to the Indian influence which Durbs is home to.”
Durban’s listing was welcomed by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, who said the recognition affirms the city’s status as a premier tourism, leisure and entertainment destination. “As a city, we are pleased to receive this global recognition. This is a clear indication that Durban’s tourism sector is firmly on an upward trajectory as we work towards fully surpassing pre-Covid-19 growth levels,” said Xaba.
Time Out South Africa Content Director Andrew Hallett said Durban’s enduring charm lies in its climate and culture. Photo: Supplied
He added that the latest accolade follows an announcement by UKZN that business confidence in eThekwini improved significantly, rising from 52.12 points in the third quarter of 2025 to 63.38 points in the fourth quarter.
“This clearly demonstrates that eThekwini is rising, and we will spare no effort in ensuring that we live up to our slogan of being Africa’s playground and a premier destination for investment,” said Xaba.
In 2025, the City recorded a significant increase in visitor numbers compared to the previous year. According to the city, Durban welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors, up from 998 000 in 2024, which is a 19% increase.
Direct tourism spend increased from R2.2b to R2.7b, reflecting 24% growth. Xaba concluded by saying that these figures reaffirm tourism as a key driver of the local economy.
