The 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July attracted more than 45,000 visitors to Durban, delivering a major boost to businesses across the tourism, hospitality, fashion, retail and transport sectors.
Event organisers and sponsors Hollywoodbets said the event generated about R690 million for the local economy in 2024, which increased to R840 million in 2025.
This year’s edition is estimated to have contributed close to R1 billion, underlining its growing importance to KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism and events sector.
According to Hollywoodbets, investment in the sector has helped safeguard about 15,000 jobs, while horse racing supports more than 60,000 jobs nationally and an estimated 300,000 dependants through breeding, training, racing and related services.
The organisers said the event also supported business activity through 29 independently operated VIP marquees, 12 public bars, more than 9,000 event staff and over 1,000 security personnel, creating opportunities across different parts of the economy.
City of eThekwini’s chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, said the Hollywoodbets Durban July has grown beyond horse racing.
“It has become a powerful platform that celebrates South African excellence, creativity, fashion, culture and sport, while contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation,” Ntuli said.
Beyond the race itself, the event created opportunities for accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, transport operators, fashion designers and other small businesses that benefited from increased visitor activity during the weekend.
Ntuli said the event attracts thousands of visitors every year, generating business for accommodation establishments, restaurants, entertainment venues, transport operators, retailers and tourism enterprises.
“Importantly, the Durban July stimulates tourism, supports small businesses, creates employment opportunities, promotes local talent, and places Durban firmly in both the national and international spotlight. It demonstrates how sport, culture, fashion and tourism can work together to drive inclusive economic development.”
Brett Tungay, National Chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa, said the event remains an important contributor to Durban’s tourism economy.
“Durban is reliant on tourism events like this for the city’s economy. Major events such as the Durban July continue to attract visitors and provide an important boost for hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses,” he said.
He said major events continue to support the hospitality sector by bringing visitors into the city and increasing demand for accommodation, food services and entertainment.
Creating opportunities for entrepreneurs
The economic benefits of the Hollywoodbets Durban July also extended to entrepreneurs operating in fashion, hospitality, catering, tourism and transport.
The Durban Fashion Fair remained one of the event’s key business development platforms, giving emerging designers industry exposure, mentorship and access to new markets.
This year’s Young Designer Award attracted a record 143 entries from students across KwaZulu-Natal, highlighting opportunities for young entrepreneurs in the province’s creative economy. 
Fashion designer Mzwandile Mathonsi, one of the invited designers for this year’s event, said the event provides local creatives with a platform to grow their businesses and reach new audiences.
“The Country Allure theme is rich with storytelling, allowing us to explore heritage and sophistication in bold ways. The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a platform to grow, reach new audiences and showcase African creativity,” said Mathonsi.
Beyond race day, the Hollywoodbets Durban July showcased Durban to local and international audiences through television and digital broadcasts, strengthening the city’s reputation as a tourism and investment destination.
