Festive season activated in Mpenjati
The expected contribution to the provincial economy is estimated to be around R3,6 billion.
KZN Tourism held a summer activation event at Mpenjati Nature Reserve recently.
Dr Thandeka Ellenson, KZN Acting HOD Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) said they were here to activate the festive season and to ask people and visitors to come and enjoy the holiday destination in the South Coast.
“We are encouraging people to come out in numbers and explore KZN, our safe beaches and beautiful mountains.”
Ellenson said the number of international tourist have increased this year and they have received over 300 tourists locally and 52 000 from outside the country.
The expected contribution to the provincial economy is estimated to be around R3,6 billion.
“If we compare this years percentage it has increased about 22 percent from last year’s season.”
Ellenson said it is very important to have visitors because they contribute a lot on the KZN’s economy, and said accommodation alone is a business and therefore make a lot of contribution towards the economy.
She also mentioned that they still have a challenge with safety but it is something that they are discussing with law authorities to make sure that tourists are safe at all times.
Speaking at the event, Ellenson said that the resort, which is managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife (EKZNW), was a good example of the diverse, nature-rich offering which was a major attraction for both national and international tourists.
Acting Chief Executive for the KZN Sharks Board, Harry Mbambo, said the organisation was ready for the 2023 summer holiday season.
“Our bather protection services remain vital in promoting the beach tourism of the KZN province. We’d like to remind all the visitors that have chosen to visit our beautiful province for our beautiful beaches to take all the necessary safety precautions whilst swimming. This includes swimming at protected beaches of which there are a wide variety stretching from Richards Bay in the North to Port Edward in the South.”
Dr Ellenson encouraged all tourism stakeholders to look at the positive things happening in the province.
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