Durban named one of the world’s best places to visit in 2026

Durban has earned another major international nod, landing a spot on Time Out’s annual list of The Best Places to Travel in 2026, as previously reported by IOL.

Durban skyline on North Beach/Weylandt Swart/Unsplash

Ranked 14th globally, Durban is one of just two African destinations to feature on the list, alongside Rabat, which claimed second place. The recognition reinforces Durban’s reputation as South Africa’s most dynamic coastal city, where warm-water swimming, cultural depth and outdoor adventure collide.

In its write-up, Time Out praised the city’s easy-going appeal, noting: “Durban delivers that unbeatable mix of seaside chill, cultural richness, and nature-based adventure that global travellers crave. Warm ocean. Warm weather. Even warmer people.”

A boost for Durban’s tourism momentum

The announcement was welcomed by eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba, who described the ranking as a validation of the city’s ongoing tourism recovery and growth.

“As a city, we are pleased to receive this global recognition,” Xaba said. “It shows that Durban’s tourism sector is on a strong upward trajectory as we work towards exceeding pre-Covid growth levels.”

He added that infrastructure upgrades and accelerated service delivery remain central to positioning Durban as a competitive destination for both visitors and investors.

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Visitor numbers on the rise

The accolade follows a strong year for Durban’s tourism economy. During the 2025 festive season, the city welcomed around 1.2 million visitors, up from 998 000 the previous year — a 19% increase. Accommodation occupancy climbed to 77%, while direct tourism spending grew from R2.2 billion to R2.7 billion.

Tourism’s contribution to the local GDP also rose sharply, from R5.5 billion to R9.6 billion, supporting more than 14 000 jobs — further underscoring the sector’s role as a key economic driver for the city.

“This clearly demonstrates that eThekwini is rising,” said Xaba, “and we remain committed to living up to our vision of being Africa’s playground.”