eThekwini Municipality is preparing to draw a capacity crowd of up to 48 000 people to the Hollywood Bets Durban July, which will inject about R65 million (€3.2m) into the city’s economy next weekend.

Economic Development and Planning Committee Deputy Chairperson for eThekwini Municipality, Phili Ndlovu, said tourism, one of the largest industries in the city, had recorded a total direct expenditure of R11.6 billion (€58m) in 2018, a figure that dipped during COVID.   

However, she said tourism was beginning to return to pre-COVID-19 growth levels and the Durban July Experience, which includes a range of entertainment and events at Greyville Racecourse on race day on July 1 and across the city, would give the industry a boost.

“The projections to the economic impact to eThekwini for the Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience this year is that it will attract at least 35 000 to 48 000 attendees, amassing a R65 million direct spend, contributing R130 million (€6.5m) to the GDP and creating 1 500 jobs,” Ndlovu said.

The theme for this year’s fashion extravaganza at the races is ‘Out of this World’ and eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme, under the banner of the Durban Fashion Fair, has partnered with Gold Circle Horse Racing and Betting to present the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience.

This supports 160 emerging and established designers as well as models with skills development and exposure.      

Among the events lined up include the Fact Durban Rocks, the Mother of All Parties, Any Given Sunday and the Durban July Township Experience, where visitors will experience tourism precincts such as Umhlanga, Florida Road and Davenport, Max’s Lifestyle and the Inanda Heritage Route. Ndlovu said there would be strong Metro Police presence during the event.    

“Our law enforcement agencies will be deployed in all strategic areas during the Durban July to ensure safety of all patrons and residents. Approximately 100 Metro police officers will be deployed on the ground around the Greyville area. 

“We are ready to roll out the red carpet for thousands of visitors expected to flock to Durban,” she said.       

50 000 guests expected

Gold Circle event and marketing executive Stephen Marshall said organisers were anticipating close to 50 000 guests at the event, which has been hosted annually throughout world wars and pandemics. He said it was the first time since the outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020 that the race could be hosted at full capacity.    

“Even after 127 years, the event continues to grow and evolve,” said Marshall.

Hollywood Bets Brand and Communications Manager, Devin Heffer, said the event was a major driver for tourism and an economic boost for the city.  

“A R5 million (€249 000) stake is up for grabs. It is the richest Grade One in the country which attracts the best thoroughbreds, which shows in the field that we have,” said Marshall.   

The prestigious event was established in 1897 at a distance of 1 600m, which later increased to 2 200m in the 1970s.