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Update: Saturday, 1 August 2026: Durban confirmed as host city for the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2027!
Durban Tourism announced the great news that Durban will be one of the host cities for next year’s Men’s Cricket World Cup.
The world will be heading to our shores as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia unite to host one of the biggest sporting events on the global calendar.
As one of the 12 official host venues, Durban is ready to welcome cricket fans from around the world with world-class sporting action, warm hospitality, breathtaking experiences and unforgettable moments.
This is great news for Durban, and really great news for Durban's tourism industry!
Tourism bodies celebrate as Durban bags Africa's biggest travel showcase until 2030
Durban has secured some serious bragging rights.
One of Africa's biggest tourism events, Africa's Travel Indaba, will continue calling Durban home through to 2030.
This follows the successful hosting of Africa's Travel Indaba 2026, and is a big boost for the city, which is set to remain the centre of the continent's travel and tourism industry for the next four years.
READ: Tourism businesses take top spots at KZN Top Business Awards
Why this matters for KZN
The annual trade show is regarded as Africa's leading tourism marketing event, connecting African tourism products with international buyers and media.
It attracts thousands of tourism buyers, media representatives, exhibitors and industry leaders from Africa and further afield.
While it's primarily a business event, its impact stretches far beyond the exhibition halls.
Hotels fill up. Restaurants get busier. Tour operators, attractions, transport providers and tourism businesses across KZN benefit from increased exposure and valuable business opportunities.
According to eThekwini Municipality, the 2026 edition attracted 9 810 delegates from 44 countries, including 275 hosted buyers and more than 400 accredited media representatives. The event also created opportunities for 15 local tourism SMMEs, giving smaller businesses direct access to international buyers and investors.
READ: Durban's iconic Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani undergoes R250-million refurbishment
More visitors, more investment, more opportunities
According to Sibusiso Gumbi, CEO of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, the successful 2026 event marked the beginning of the province's new hosting cycle:
"The event reaffirmed Durban and KwaZulu-Natal's position as the home of Africa's premier tourism trade show and a leading gateway for tourism and investment on the continent.
"As we move through this new hosting term, our focus is on building on this momentum, expanding market access for our tourism businesses, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring the event continues to deliver meaningful economic and tourism benefits for KwaZulu-Natal and South Africa," says Gumbi.
The benefits don't stop in Durban.
Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), says the announcement creates opportunities across the province.
"KwaZulu-Natal securing Africa's Travel Indaba until 2030 is a major win for the province and the KZN South Coast. It creates opportunities to attract more visitors, strengthen our tourism economy, stimulate investment, support local businesses and create sustainable jobs. SCTIE is committed to maximising these benefits through strategic partnerships," adds Sibiya.
The tourism sector in Umhlanga has also welcomed the announcement. Naomi Crous, Chairperson of Umhlanga Tourism stating, "This is a major boost for our tourism industry, creating valuable opportunities for local businesses while reinforcing Durban and Umhlanga's position as world-class destinations. We look forward to welcoming national and international visitors and showcasing the exceptional experiences and hospitality our region has to offer."
READ: Getting around Durban just got easier thanks to major road upgrades
Boosting Durban to a global stage
While most locals won't be walking the exhibition floor at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, everyone stands to benefit when thousands of international visitors spend time - and money - in the city.
Accommodation, restaurants, tour operators, game reserves, adventure activities, and the wider KZN tourism industry will feel the ripple effect well beyond the conference venue.
It also means Durban will continue to enjoy the international spotlight as one of Africa's favourite places to visit.
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