Durban - A subtropical coastal paradise? Tourism dynamics in a post-apartheid city

Abstract

This paper examines the changing fortunes of Durban as a tourist city from the apartheid to the post apartheid eras. Durban has long earned its prime position as one of South Africa’s most popular year‑round tourist destination. In keeping with the dictates of apartheid, the city catered largely for the needs of the white minority, while that of the black majority was largely ignored. With political changes and shifts in both the international and domestic markets, an effort had to be made to reposition tourism in the city. In order to successfully promote its tourism opportunities, Durban attempted to enhance its image and appeal by promoting its sports, convention and cultural attractions. The democratic transition of the 1990s provided many challenges, the most enduring of which was the need to cater for the emerging black tourist market. There was also an urgency to address problems of crime and grime, disparities in the distribution of labour market opportunities, especially in terms of race and gender within the tourism sector. A serious threat to tourism in Durban is unemployment and alienation of the majority of African people from the industry.

Keywords

• international tourism
• post-apartheid
• domestic tourism
• race
• gender