Tourism KwaZulu-Natal gave true meaning to Tourism Month this September when in addition to highlighting the province’s range of tourist attractions, emphasis was placed on showcasing projects in rural areas.
In order to draw attention to rural tourism development, KZN embraced the theme “Tourism and Rural Development” for Tourism Month.
Celebrating Tourism Month and the return of leisure tourism in KZN, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Nomusa Dube-Ncube, visited tourist attractions throughout the length and breadth of KZN, making pit stops at Emazizini Village in Northern Drakensberg and KwaXolo Caves in KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and with many more visits to come in the lead up to the summer season.
“Tourism Month has been an exciting month for us and it is amazing to see that our sector is regaining its liveliness and vibrancy.
“As Domestic Tourism is now fully opened, we are thrilled to see more and more people enjoying our tourism offerings. We are also ready to start welcoming international guests as more borders are due to open soon with further easing of lockdown regulations,” said Ms Nomsa-Dube.
TKZN has launched a vigorous marketing and PR campaign to remind South Africans that it is safe to travel again.
KZN is confident that its variety of tourists’ attractions, top class accommodation establishments, adventure filled activities and the warmest hospitality will quickly ensure that the province regains the number one tourism destination badge. KZN is truly a destination that has it all!
“We are working very hard to come back even stronger after this pandemic. We want KZN to reclaim the number one spot as the ‘must visit’ domestic tourism destination.
“As we look forward to the summer season, Tourism KZN will be putting together a fun filled programme of activities that will entice holidaymakers to descend in numbers to the province.
“Based on what we have seen thus far, we anticipate a bumper festive season and our tourism sector to recover sooner than we anticipated,” Ms Nomsa-Dube said.
The Heritage Day long weekend also provided the opportunity for travel fans who spent several months under house arrest to blow away the cobwebs of coronavirus by pointing their cars towards tourist hotspots.
Encouraging travellers to venture out of their homes, many KZN-loyal tourism Industry players came to the party with discounted deals on accommodation packages and strict COVID-19 hygiene protocols in place.
Tourism bodies have reported a welcome increase in bookings and said if this trend continued, then the “house full” signs could well be up during the year-end vacation season.
Nathi Nkomzwayo, CEO of Enterprise iLembe Economic Development Agency said: “By all accounts this past long weekend was a bumper one which is a great relief for the tourism sector and the economy as a whole. The average occupancy reported was at around 90% in comparison to last year which was between 70-80%.
“We are happy that all efforts by Enterprise iLembe and our provincial partner Tourism KZN to ensure that the destination remained top of mind for visitors and tourists are paying off.
“Bookings for the next few months are also looking great and we are expecting 100% occupancy for the December holiday season.”
Lee Zama, CEO of Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa (FEDHASA) said: “Since the opening of inter-provincial travel, there has been good leisure travel activity over the long weekend.
“KZN, especially Durban, are leading the way in providing growth in the tourism sector, when compared to other provinces.”
Marian Evans, manager of Midlands Meander Association, said: “We were thrilled to have received thousands of day visitors over the long weekend and 100% occupancy rate throughout the Midlands area.
“The Midlands Meander is looking forward to hosting more tourists over the festive season.”
TKZN is confident that tourism will grow in leaps and bounds over the ensuing months and is, therefore, encouraging people to visit its website http://www.zulu.org.za/dokzn/specials to get amazing specials and plan their summer season holiday itinerary before it is too late.
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