eThekwini Mayor Welcomes Hilton Hotel Durban Reopening, Boosting Tourism and Job Creation

The hotel's reopening coincides with the beginning of Tourism Month, observed annually in September.

Cyril Xaba, Mayor of eThekwini Municipality, has celebrated the reopening of the Hilton Hotel Durban, which is expected to give a significant boost to the city's tourism and business sectors. The hotel's reopening coincides with the beginning of Tourism Month, observed annually in September.

“The reopening of the Hilton Hotel will enhance Durban's luxury executive accommodation offerings, particularly strengthening our appeal when bidding to host national and international conferences,” Mayor Xaba said. He added that the hotel’s return will also contribute to job creation in the city.

Located near the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (Durban ICC), the Hilton Hotel provides convenient accommodation for business travelers and high-profile dignitaries. “The close proximity between the hotel and the ICC will increase Durban’s business travel appeal and instill confidence in those planning to attend conferences and exhibitions,” Xaba noted. He also highlighted that the investment is part of the city’s broader Inner-City Regeneration Programme.

In addition to celebrating the hotel’s reopening, eThekwini Municipality is inviting small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) to register for the upcoming South Regional Durban Business Fair (DBF), which will take place from 25 to 27 October 2024 at KwaMnyandu Shopping Centre. The DBF aims to showcase local businesses, provide networking opportunities, and promote entrepreneurship to drive rural and township economic growth.

Thembo Ntuli, Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, emphasized the importance of SMMEs in driving job creation and fostering inclusive economic growth. “Our focus on revitalizing rural and township economies is a key part of our strategy to create jobs and promote small business growth,” Ntuli said.

Registration for exhibitors at the Durban Business Fair is open until 30 September 2024. Entrepreneurs interested in participating can access the registration form via the link: https://bit.ly/SouthForm, request one via email at admin@lomes.co.za, or collect a form from the security desk at the Embassy Building, 199 Anton Lembede Street. Forms are also available on the eThekwini Municipality website under the Durban Business Fair sub-tab.

For more information, businesses can contact 031 266 9938.