Yay! The day we've all been waiting for has finally arrived. The Vodacom Durban July, which is expcting over 50 000 visitors this weekend, is here!
While some of you wait for your favourite stars to show off their outfits, we've brought another side of this major event into the spotlight - the numbers. We all know that it's not just about the glitz and glam, but also about business.
According to organisers, the increasing number of out-of-province guests will help drive the economic impact of the event to over R440-million.
A recent survey of visitors to the Vodacom Durban July has shown that the number of guests from outside of KwaZulu-Natal has risen from 20% in 2011 to more than 50% this year, bringing with it an ever increasing spend on local hotels and accommodation, restaurants, and other tourism facilities.
It was revealed that 52% of the guests surveyed were from Gauteng, while 9% came from the Free State and 5% from the Western Cape.
According to the survey, out-of-province visitors attending the event spend as much as R156-million, with KwaZulu-Natal fans spending up to R70.6-million.
While some celebs are lucky enough to get free designer outfits, sponsored travel, and VIP access to the hottest parties, some people spend just over R6,000 on travel to the event, clothing, tickets, and entertainment, while the local residents spend an average of R1,778 on the event.
"The other half of the economic churn will come from a R100 million betting splurge that will be matched by an equivalent amount wagered at bookmarks around the country, and bolstered by the inclusion of bets from the French tote that has been showing increasing interest in Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event," a statement read.
Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Zeph Ndlovu, said: "The Vodacom Durban July is the sought after stimulus to the economic vibrancy of the city. The DCCI welcomes the premier sponsorship by Vodacom to the event whose multiplied effect is felt through areas of employment, accommodation, restaurants and catering, right through to entertainment and tourism.
"Visitors can expect a welcoming atmosphere accompanied by fun, enjoyment and peace."
The 2015 Vodacom Durban July takes place at Greyville Racecourse on 4 July.