Durban - Durban's dramatic makeover in recent years was always intended to go beyond the 2010 FIFA World Cup, said eThekwini Municipality's Strategic Project Unit Head, Julie-May Ellingson.
In a presentation at the African Renaissance Conference currently taking place in the city, Ellingson told delegates that revamping the city centre was aimed at making Durban a premier sports destination in Africa.
"We wanted to change the face of Durban. And we managed to do that. It is important to constantly be innovative," Ellingson said.
She said the idea is to create and package tourism in Durban in a way that will get visitors to stay much longer. Also, KwaZulu-Natal has great potential for sports tourism and this can be turned into a niche market, she added.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium is just one facet of the renovations that have impacted on the way Durban has changed.
The stadium has generated R6.1 million in tours, adventure walks and the sky car facility. This excludes football matches and other events that were held at the state of the art venue.
"The stadium was not just built with the 2010 World Cup in mind. We wanted a multi-functional stadium. We didn't want people to just come to a football match and leave," Ellingson said.
The Sharks model, were families gather after rugby matches to have braais and socialise, was looked to when the new stadium was built.
"We want to create a family environment, a place where you can do the adventure stuff and go for coffee or dinner. And this has been done with shops around the stadium and designated areas for socialising. Also, Virgin Active will spend around R45 million to build a flagship gym here," Ellingson added.
The promenade was extended to get Durban residents to walk their dogs, go jogging and take back their public space.
Ellingson said if more people came out in their numbers and used these revamped spaces, it would go far in addressing the safety issue that persists in the country.
As far as the World Cup is concerned, Ellingson said Durban has taken charge and is ready to be a good host.
