R800-million winter season set for KZN

KWAZULU-Natal is getting ready to extend a warm welcome to all the domestic holiday-makers expected to flock into the province from the colder parts of the country this winter as schools close from 24 June.  Tourism is expected to improve the province’s economy by R800-million.

With balmy coastal temperatures, courtesy of the warm Indian Ocean, the Zulu Kingdom continues to be a firm favourite holiday destination for local holiday-makers seeking to catch a bit of warmth and sunshine during winter.

Commenting on the exciting winter season ahead, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal CEO, Ndabo Khoza, said, “Once again this year, the province will be a hive of activities, with events to suit all ages and tastes.”

Domestic travellers are expected to make an estimated 350 000 trips to the province over this period. Some 65 000 international tourists are also expected to come through King Shaka International Airport, resulting in a four per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Hotel occupancies are projected to be around 67 per cent throughout the province, which is above the national average.

“Not only is there a direct economic impact in terms of visitor arrivals and spend, but there is also the undeniable benefit of the province’s natural warmth and beauty being showcased as the backdrop to these major events as they are being promoted. Destination awareness is also boosted tremendously through social media networking platforms as visitors share their experiences of the event and the destination while beaming real time images and footage around the world,” added Khoza.

Lined up for the winter holiday season:

– Sardine Festival (4 June to 31 July)
– Durban International Film Festival (16 to 26 June)
– Durban International Boat & Lifestyle Show (24 to 26 June)
– Ugu Jazz Festival (25 June)
– East Coast Radio House & Garden Show (1 to 10 July)
– KZN Travel and Adventure Show (8 to 10 July)
– Ballito Pro (22 June to 3 July)
– Vodacom Durban July (2 July)
– The Dundee July (3 July)
– Keep the Promise Benefit Concert (16 July)
– Elan Property Group Gold Cup (30 July)