Tourism Month calls residents to travel in their own country
The annual celebration of Tourism Month falls in September, with the aim of highlighting the importance of the sector and the most interesting visitor attractions of our country.
ALONG with the beginning of spring, many other international commemorative days are celebrated in September.
From World Beard Day to the International Day of Peace, the globe marks the memorable and important, the wild and wacky things that make our planet unique, this month.
World Tourism Day follows hot on the heels of Heritage Day. Frequently referred to more affectionately as ‘braai day’, the public holiday on September 24 is when South Africans wear traditional dress and enjoy a meal outdoors in our warm, spring sunshine.
In addition to celebrating World Tourism Day in September, South Africa dedicates the month to tourism.
What is Tourism Month?
According to the SA government website, tourism month ‘provides a heightened month-long focus on the importance of the sector to the South African economy. It features themed activities that are aligned to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation’s (UNWTO) World Tourism Day celebrations‘.
Special offers on travel and accommodation are frequently available over this time, making it a great opportunity to tour your own country. However, with the economy slowly recovering from the Covid pandemic and a growing list of events and experiences on offer once more, what should we do and see? What can we write on our ’been there, done that’ list?
A few of our tourism favourites
South African National Parks Week – Due to take place from September 11 to 16, this week allows free entry to nearly all the SANParks national parks.
Tour with Green Corridors – Based near the beachfront, this NPO offers a variety of exciting guided tours to various destinations in Durban. Try the Wild eNanda (including a trip to the Rastafarian Caves), Lower Molweni, Mqeku Picnic Site, Durban’s Waterfalls or the Mini Canoe Adventure.
Visit Durban Botanic Gardens – Africa’s oldest surviving botanic garden is one of Durban’s treasures. Established in 1849, it’s 15 hectares boast collections of cycads, palms and orchids.
Ride the Inchanga Choo-Choo – The vintage steam train runs from Inchanga Station on the last Sunday of every month. The section of railway line was built in 1879 and is one of the oldest active railway lines in the country.
Tour the Mariannhill Monastery – Established in 1882 in Pinetown, the monastery offers a host of services to the local community, and a guided tour of the buildings can be booked. While you’re there, sample the Monastery Tea Garden’s menu with traditional Zulu meals.
A selection of the numerous September commemorative days for the curious
World Beard Day (Saturday 3), World Koeksister Day (Tuesday 6), International Literacy Day (Thursday 8), International Sudoku Day (Friday 9), World Suicide Prevention Day (Saturday 10), Free Wills Week ( 12–18 September), World Afro Day (Thursday 15), World Alzheimer’s Day (Wednesday 21), World Rhino Day (Thursday 22), Heritage Day (Saturday 24), World Dream Day and World Pharmacist Day (Sunday 25), International Daughters’ Day and World Contraception Day (Monday 26), World Tourism Day (Tuesday 27), World Rabies Day (Wednesday 28), World Heart Day and World Maritime Day (Thursday 29), International Podcast Day and International Translation Day (Friday 30).
