Durban’s famous Hilton Hotel set to reopen its doors
The Hilton Hotel in Durban was one of 1,000 hotels that the Hilton Group shut down during the pandemic because of revenue losses.
The renowned Hilton Hotel in Durban’s city center will gradually reopen after being closed for three years.
The five-star hotel was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors in 2021 due to low demand, which made it unable to finance its operations.
HILTON HOTEL IN DURBAN TO REOPEN
The Hilton Hotel in Durban was among 1 000 worldwide that the Hilton Group closed due to revenue loss during the pandemic.
The hotel had been operating since 1997 when it closed its doors over three years ago and it was not known that it would remain closed for an extended period.
The Hilton Durban’s protracted closure has meant huge losses for the property and indeed, the city itself.
eThekwini Municipality mayor, Cyril Xaba, said the hotel’s return to business would enhance the metro’s business case when bidding for national and international conferences.
Durban hosts several major conferences and events each year.
In May, Durban hosted Africa’s Travel Indaba, a significant conference where tourism players from across Africa convene to discuss tourism matters.
Xaba said that, besides enhancing the tourism experience for visitors, the hotel’s reopening will contribute immensely to job creation.
“The Hilton Hotel is also a great added advantage for the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, which is situated near the hotel. When the Durban ICC conducts its product promotion, it will be characterised by the easy accessibility to prestigious accommodation, further instilling business travel confidence,” Xaba said.
The hotel is situated in the city’s business tourism Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) precinct and Xaba said it also forms an important part of the Durban’s inner-city regeneration efforts.