KZN expecting a flood of visitors attracted by warm weather and events
"Tourism contributes eight percent to our gross domestic product and employs 6.5 per cent of the country’s workforce" - Acting CEO for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Phindile Makwakwa.
KZN and especially DUrban is a popular holiday destination for visitors during the mid-year holidays due to its warm weather and many events.
KWAZULU-NATAL (KZN) can look forward to a massive cash injection as more than 1.2 million domestic holiday makers are expected to flood the province for the three-week winter school holiday from June 22 to July 17.
The province is expecting this influx due to major events that will be taking place in the next three weeks and the warm weather as a major draw card, according to MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, SihleZikalala.
“KZN will pull out all the stops to ensure that holidaymakers are kept entertained with a jam-packed calendar of events in Durban and along the KZN coastline to suit all tastes.
“This includes the Vodacom Durban July; The Dundee July, The Ballito Pro, The Whale Festival at Brighton BeachThe Soul and Jazz Experience in Richards Bay, the Sardine Festival in Port Edward, the iSimangaliso Trail Challenge in St Lucia, and many more,” added Zikalala.
The sardine run is looking good this year and will delight locals and visitors.
“This is the ideal time for local tour operators to promote KZN and all its tourism offerings; from the beach to the berg, to the game parks and our many exceptional tourism routes.
“Tourism contributes eight percent to our gross domestic product and employs 6.5 per cent of the country’s workforce. It is an important catalyst for the province’s economic transformation,” said Acting CEO for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Phindile Makwakwa.
“Tourism is a major economic booster through its contribution to various other sectors such as hospitality, transport, arts and crafts who form part of the tourism value chain,” added Makwakwa.
Charles Preece, East Coast Operational Manager for the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, (FEDHASA), said the winter holidays was always a good season for the industry with hotel bookings looking solid.
“There is still some space available, but we expect a good season. The East Coast is a favourite destination for inland visitors hoping to escape the cold,” Preece said.
The Ballito Pro showcases the best in surfing and has a number of activities and events to entertain visitors.
“FEDHASA was confident that following last year’s high occupancy levels, this season would be no different.”
Traffic authorities are further anticipating high traffic volumes to the East Coast this season.
One can expect an influx of vehicles on KZN roads – especially along main routes and around local tourist attractions.
The Vodacom Durban July on July 7, will rake in large crowds and is expected to attract 50 000 people on race day.
The cash injection in 2017 from the VDJ was R260 million into the KZN economy.
The KZN Travel and Adventure which takes place from July 5 to 8 will also see tourists with a flair for lifestyle tourism, which is poised to attract 30 000 to 40 000 people during the four days.
Fun in the sun in Durban.
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