Time Out has expanded its South African footprint with the launch of Time Out Durban, adding KwaZulu-Natal to its growing network of locally curated city platforms.
The new Durban platform becomes the third dedicated South African city destination in the Time Out portfolio, following Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Time Out South Africa operates through a franchise partnership with Kagiso Media Radio (KMR), which was announced when the global city-guide brand expanded its South African presence in late 2024. Time Out said at the time that the partnership would broaden coverage across major South African cities and destinations, including Durban. [1]
The Durban launch gives the international media brand a dedicated platform in one of South Africa’s most important tourism and hospitality markets, with content spanning food, drink, culture, nightlife, neighbourhoods, family experiences and travel across KwaZulu-Natal.
A broader South African expansion
Time Out launched in London in 1968 and has since developed into a global media and hospitality brand covering more than 350 cities in over 50 countries. Its content is produced and curated by local journalists and experts across digital, social, video, newsletters and live experiences. [2]
In South Africa, the brand is being developed through its partnership with Kagiso Media Radio, combining Time Out’s global publishing platform with locally produced editorial coverage.
Aisha Mohamed, Managing Director of Time Out South Africa, described Durban as a natural next step for the business.
“It is a city with such a distinct personality and an incredibly rich mix of culture, food, creativity, entertainment and outdoor experiences.”
She said the platform would bring together stories about the people, places and experiences shaping the city, while helping both residents and visitors identify what is worth exploring.
Durban’s tourism profile is rising
The expansion comes as Durban receives greater international tourism attention.
Time Out included Durban at number 14 on its list of the best places to travel in 2026, citing the city’s Indian Ocean coastline, food culture, proximity to major wildlife destinations, the Drakensberg and the wider KwaZulu-Natal tourism offering. [3]
The launch also arrives as Durban’s visitor economy continues to recover. Recent tourism data highlighted by Time Out Durban indicated that domestic travellers remain the main source of visitors, while international arrivals have also been strengthening during 2026. [4]
For the local tourism economy, the arrival of another international publishing platform potentially creates additional visibility for restaurants, hospitality operators, cultural venues, events and smaller tourism businesses across the province.
A local editorial model
Time Out Durban will use local writers, creatives, cultural voices and community experts to produce its coverage.
The strategy reflects Time Out’s broader publishing model, which combines a global brand and distribution network with local editorial teams.
Coverage is expected to range from restaurant openings and major events to neighbourhood businesses, beaches, markets, nightlife, family activities and road trips across KwaZulu-Natal.
Mohamed said local voices would remain central to the platform.
“The people of a city tell its stories best.”
She added that Time Out aims not only to recommend experiences but also to amplify local communities and capture the stories that distinguish one city from another.
Global media brand, local commercial opportunity
The Durban expansion illustrates a broader trend in international media: global brands increasingly rely on local editorial networks and franchise partnerships to enter new markets while preserving regional relevance.
For Time Out, that model also supports its commercial business.
The company says its media operation connects international, national and local brands with audiences through multi-channel advertising solutions, while its wider business includes Time Out Market, its editorially curated food and cultural market concept. [2]
South Africa already has a physical Time Out Market in Cape Town, while its media footprint is now extending further across the country.
The launch of Time Out Durban therefore represents more than the addition of another travel guide. It expands Time Out’s ability to connect tourism, hospitality, culture and local businesses with both South African and international audiences.
Why Durban matters
Durban and the wider KwaZulu-Natal region have a substantial tourism proposition extending beyond the beachfront.
The region includes the Drakensberg, major wildlife and safari destinations, the Midlands, coastal resorts, cultural attractions and a large domestic tourism market.
Time Out’s own 2026 travel ranking highlighted Durban’s combination of warm-water beaches, cultural diversity, cuisine and access to wider KwaZulu-Natal experiences. [3]
That mix gives the new platform a broad potential editorial and commercial base covering tourism, hospitality, entertainment and local consumer businesses.
For Time Out South Africa, the Durban launch also marks another step in building a national presence rather than operating solely around Cape Town and Johannesburg.
Time Out Durban is available at timeout.com/durban.
Sources and Information
[1] Time Out Group. Time Out is launching in South Africa on 1st December. The announcement confirmed the franchise partnership with Kagiso Media Radio and plans to expand coverage to Durban and other South African destinations.
Time Out — South Africa franchise announcement
[2] Time Out Group. Corporate information and global network data. Time Out says its editorial network covers more than 350 cities in over 50 countries.
Time Out Group — About
[3] Time Out. The best places to travel in 2026. Durban ranked 14th in the publication’s 2026 destination list.
Time Out — Best Places to Travel in 2026
[4] Time Out Durban. Domestic travellers are driving Durban’s tourism recovery. August 2026.
Time Out Durban — Tourism Recovery
[5] Time Out South Africa. Press release and images supplied to AfricaBusiness.com, 31 August 2026.
