As the Hollywoodbets Durban July prepares to welcome back its fans following the lifting of lockdown regulations, the tens of thousands that will converge on the city this weekend will provide a welcome kickstart to the regional tourism economy.

After two years of hosting Africa’s Greatest Horseracing Event behind-closed-doors, all the stakeholders recognise the importance of major drawcard events like the Hollywoodbets Durban July to the regional economy, and are welcoming the timeous relaxation of restrictions that have paved the way for the first “normal July” since 2019.

Gold Circle’s Marketing and Events Executive Steve Marshall understands that the sudden to return to a “normal July” won’t lead to a sell-out crowd on Saturday, but says that demand for tickets and hospitality has been brisk and Hollywoodbets Greyville is preparing to host over 30 000 racing fans and socialites on Saturday.

With the energy of the new race title sponsors Hollywoodbets helping to deliver a programme of events that will see plenty of fashion, music and entertainment between the twelve races on the card, the iconic social and sporting event is being seen as a suitable and well-timed celebration.

“The demand for a seat in the suites and in the Marquee Village has told us that the fans of this event are looking forward to making the most of the 2022 event, after having to miss out for two consecutive years.

“The July has always been a defining event in the South African sporting and social calendar, and one that pulls people together from every walk of life. This year the feeling we get is the desire to make the 2022 Hollywoodbets Durban July a celebration of perseverance and resilience in our collective ability to deal with the tough times everyone has endured over the last two years.”

Marshall said that there was significant demand from Gauteng for tickets and seats in the premium hospitality suites, signalling an anticipated cash injection into the local hospitality, travel, food and entertainment industries.

“In a normal year the July is responsible for a direct spend of R300 million on the weekend of the event, and while we may fall a little short of that this year, given the late timing of the lifting of the restrictions, it will be a very welcome kickstart to a number of economic sectors in the province that are still clawing their way back from the tough times of the lockdown,”.

said Marshall

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a central drawcard event for the Ethekwini regional, which relies on high-profile sporting and social events to attract visitors to the region during the July holidays.

Many satellite events are being well supported and pre-and post Hollywoodbets Durban July functions are being planned for the coming weekend, with popular spots in the township’s and the landmark Florida Road strip bracing for brisk turnover.