DURBAN’S ‘Fun Season’ was launched at the Tugela Room of the Southern Sun Elangeni and Maharani on Wednesday morning.
Initiated by the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Tourism Forum, the Fun Season campaign was embarked on to offer packages, specials, events and promotional information on all the city has to offer.
The objective was clearly defined as a platform to offer visitors to Durban, the tools to enjoy a holiday like none other, making visitors want to return for more.
Durban is currently a very successful seasonal family destination and the Fun Season depicts a favourable time to holiday, due to the best weather in comparison to the rest of SA, less crowds and one can take advantage of special travel packages.
Mayor James Nxumalo, expressed his support for the campaign and said he valued the support by the trade partnerships. He reiterated that April to July was renowned to be the best time to enjoy the warmth of the city, world class events and added value packages.
Phillip Sithole, Head of Durban Tourism said, this year in particular, the initiative represented a very strong private public partnership, with the city’s interest at heart. “The strengthened trade partnerships will undoubtedly foster joint destination marketing, increase visitation and whilst working with the travel industry, maximise the economic and social benefits of travel,” he said. Sithole said current partnerships included hotel groups, city entities and tour operators and events while the future plans for the season were to engage with airlines, travel agencies, shopping malls and restaurateurs so the entire industry embraced the Fun Season concept.
Mike Dowsley, chairperson of the Durban Chamber of Commerce Tourism Committee, said that for the Fun Season to attract visitors from Gauteng and other inland towns, weekend packages were needed. “The hospitality industry must work together on integrated promotional offers to market a top quality mid -break experience,” he said.
The Durban Fun Season website went live at the launch, to promote Durban as the scene where the sun sizzles all year-long and the fun goes on. Visit the website www.durbanfunseason.co.za for daily fun updates of the fun in sunny Durbs.
