The Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre Complex, often abbreviated as ICC Durban, is a large events facility located in the city centre of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is named after 1960 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former president of the African National Congress, Inkosi Albert Luthuli.
Opened by former president Nelson Mandela in 1997, the Durban ICC was South Africa’s first International Convention Centre and has played a pioneering role in attracting international events to Durban since its inception. The complex is composed of an arena, hotel, convention and exhibition centre.
Discussions in the city of Durban on the merits of a major convention centre date back to the 1960s. However, planning for the convention centre began in 1991. After consultations by the whites-only municipal authorities with unrepresented political groupings in 1993, construction commenced in 1994.[2] The Convention Centre hosted the 123rdIOC Session where Pyeongchang was elected host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics.[citation needed]
It was proposed on 1 February 2006 that the name of the centre be changed from Durban International Convention Centre to its current name.[3]
Facilities
Durban International Convention Centre: The main facility of the complex. Its design allows the centre to be converted into 22 individual halls.
Hall of Stars: A plenary-styled auditorium that can seat over 1,500 guests.
Fig Tree Courtyard: An outdoor event space with an adjoining lawn area. Used for cocktail parties, banquets and small weddings.