ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY DELIVERS MAJOR BOOST TO DURBAN'S TOURISM AND ECONOMY
Durban has once again demonstrated its status as Africa's leading tourism, events and lifestyle destination following the successful hosting of the 130th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
EThekwini Municipality hailed the event as another resounding success, highlighting its significant contribution to tourism, economic growth, job creation and destination marketing.
Thousands of visitors converged on Greyville Racecourse and various attraction sites across the City as the Hollywoodbets Durban July weekend transformed eThekwini into a vibrant celebration of world-class horse racing, fashion, entertainment, culture and hospitality.
This year's theme, "Country Allure," celebrated timeless elegance inspired by the countryside, with racegoers embracing a fusion of rustic sophistication and contemporary African fashion.
Once again, the Hollywoodbets Durban July reaffirmed its status as South Africa's premier horse racing event and one of the country's most iconic lifestyle experiences.
A highlight of the day was the thrilling finish to Africa's greatest horse race, with Note To Self, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Richard Fourie, claiming victory in the prestigious Grade 1 race after an exhilarating duel to the finish.
Wish List finished second, followed by King Pelles in third.
The victory marked Snaith's sixth Hollywoodbets Durban July title and Fourie's fourth Durban July triumph, further cementing their places among South Africa's horse racing elite.
Beyond the racecourse, visitors enjoyed a packed programme of events and experiences across Durban, including music festivals, beaches, restaurants, shopping, nightlife and family attractions, showcasing the City's diverse tourism offering.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July remains one of Durban's most significant tourism and economic drivers.
The event attracted an estimated 45 000 attendees, including local residents, domestic visitors and international guests, generating substantial business activity across the hospitality, accommodation, transport, retail, fashion, entertainment, tourism and informal trading sectors.
Direct visitor spending is projected at approximately R254 million, while the event's preliminary total economic impact is estimated at approximately R880 million.
The event also supported approximately 1 270 full-time equivalent jobs across the tourism, hospitality and events value chain.
Accommodation establishments across Durban experienced strong demand throughout the weekend, with hotel occupancy projected to reach approximately 80 percent, providing a welcome boost to the local hospitality industry.
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba said: “The successful hosting of the 130th Hollywoodbets Durban July once again demonstrates Durban's ability to deliver world-class events that drive tourism, stimulate economic growth and create meaningful opportunities for our people.
We are proud to have welcomed thousands of visitors to our City, showcasing not only an exceptional horse racing spectacle but also Durban's renowned hospitality, vibrant cultural scene and thriving creative industries.”
Mayor Xaba said events of this magnitude generate significant benefits for local businesses, sustain jobs across the tourism and hospitality value chain, and reinforce Durban's position as Africa's leading events and lifestyle destination.
“On behalf of the Municipality, I congratulate the winning of Note To Self, all participants, organisers, sponsors, our law enforcement agencies, Municipal teams, and every resident and visitor who contributed to another safe and successful Hollywoodbets Durban July,” he said.
The Mayor added that the City remains committed to building on this success by attracting more major events, stimulating investment and growing Durban's visitor economy throughout the year.
Fashion once again took centre stage during this year's event.
Nine emerging designers from the Durban Fashion Fair (DFF) Rising Stars Programme showcased their collections, demonstrating the exceptional talent being nurtured through the Municipality's fashion development initiatives.
The showcase provided valuable exposure to buyers, media, industry leaders and thousands of visitors while serving as an important precursor to the 15th edition of the DFF, scheduled to take place from 16 to 18 September at the Durban Exhibition Centre.
The Municipality also welcomed the support of the Hollywood Foundation and its partners, whose investment in participating designers continues to strengthen Durban's creative economy.
The successful delivery of the event was underpinned by the Municipality's integrated operational plan, implemented through the coordinated efforts of Metro Police, the South African Police Service, emergency services, private security, traffic management teams and various Municipal directorates.
The extensive national and international media coverage generated by the event further enhances Durban's global profile and supports future tourism growth, investment and business confidence.
The Municipality extends its sincere appreciation to all stakeholders, event organisers, sponsors, law enforcement agencies, Municipal teams, residents, businesses and visitors whose collective efforts contributed to another successful edition of this iconic event.
As Durban continues to build on the success of world-class events such as the Hollywoodbets Durban July, eThekwini Municipality remains committed to growing the visitor economy, attracting investment, creating employment opportunities and delivering exceptional experiences that position Durban as Africa's premier tourism and events destination.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality's Marketing and Communications Directorate
