Durban ranks 14th in Time Out's Best Places to Travel in 2026
The Durban beachfront and the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium
Image: File
An endorsement of its tourism sector, Durban has been ranked 14th in Time Out Worldwide's 'The Best Places to Travel in 2026'.
This prestigious recognition places the city among a select group of sought-after destinations, alongside names such as the Canadian Rockies, Rabat in Morocco, Algodões, Bahia in Brazil and New Zealand's Aoraki/Mount Cook, which claimed the top five spots.
eThekwini mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the City has worked tirelessly to ensure a thriving tourism sector.
“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,” he said.
Durban has shown impressive growth in its tourism statistics over the past year. During the 2025 festive season, the city welcomed close to 1.2 million visitors, up from 998,000 in 2024, an increase of 19%. Accommodation occupancy rose to 77%, compared to 72% in 2024.
Direct tourism spend increased from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion, reflecting a 24% growth.
The sector’s GDP contribution grew from R5.5 billion to R9.6 billion, creating more than 14,000 job opportunities.