The hottest growing community in South Africa, a 6-month-old campaign called “I Love Durban” was launched, by award winning company Carver Media, at a bespoke function last night. I Love Durban Facebook Fan page has over 116 000 fans and a reach of more than 8 million people. I Love Durban platforms include a website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Youtube. CEO, Avilash Aniruth’s dream to take Durban to the world and bring the world to Durban has come true.

“Durban is an iconic world class city that is often overshadowed by Johannesburg and Capetown. I Love Durban was created to take Durban even further in promoting community pride in Durban and highlighting economic development, tourism, infrastructure, employment, entertainment, youth and more.”, he said.

The beautiful five star Beverly Hills hotel was the venue with a never before seen spectacle that saw the internationally acclaimed fashion designer Gavin Rajah team up with creative Cape Town food genius Annalize Buchanan to provide the fabulous food and a live fashion show.

The announcement of the “I Love Durban” corporate partners was received with tremendous applause as they all share the same vision to position Durban as a world-class global destination.

The event created a social media frenzy, as bloggers, guests, celebrities, fans and the community took to the platforms to share their excitement and support. Programme director for the evening model, actress and presenter, Kajal Bagwandeen, kept the proceedings in motion introducing all important,invited speakers who came to share messages of support and admiration of the brand and its purpose. Speakers such as The Head of Durban Tourism; Phillip Sithole, City councilor; Logie Naidoo and Canadian best selling author of book, Mind Power; John Kehoe. These speakers were amongst other valued partners to the brand, which included Durban staples; King Shaka International Airport, Durban ICC, Tyson Properties, Durban Tourism and Transnet, The Durban Chamber of Commerce and The Mercury.

“We welcome other partners who want to join us in our vision to make Durban a leading, innovative, global city”

The exciting announcement for the evening was a 2014 Travel Guide to be launched next year with Gavin Rajah as guest Editor and Curator.

Avilash Aniruth, Co-Founder of I Love Durban and CEO of Carver Media shared his gratitude with his guests at the end of the night’s formalities. Speaking on his vision for the brands future and the importance of the message behind the I Love Durban brand in the city, he went on to thank his wife, ICT entrepreneur of the year award recipient, Praneetha Aniruth who is also the Co-Founder of the I Love Brand and played an important role in the growth of this online brand which has reached 8 million people to date, on its Twitter (@ILuvDBN) and Facebook (I Love Durban) platforms.

“ Little did we know, an idea sparked sitting at the back of a taxi cab in New York City, would ignite a gigantic bonfire of love for the city of Durban. “