KwaZulu-Natal usually welcomes visitors from different parts of the world including China, India, US, Britain, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini among others
By Ndumiso Mlilo
KwaZulu-Natal province expects a huge increase in local and international visitors to the
province during the festive seasons.
Musa Zondi, KwaZulu-Natal’s Member of the Executive Council for Economic Development,
Tourism and Environmental made the remarks recently during the launch of the summer season
on the South Coast.
He said the province boasts of over 600km coastline, rich in cultural traditions, history, and heritage, beach horse rides, river-rafting, cultural experiences, trails and adventure routes, zipline and to rural tourism like KwaXolo Caves.
“Apart from the cultural and heritage tourism that our region offers, there is also the ocean and
adventure offerings on the South Coast. We are proud of the recent news that the KZN South
Coast has seven beaches with internationally recognized Blue Flag status.
Five beaches still hold Blue Flag Pilot status, demonstrating the region’s dedication to international water standards and conservation, health, and safety,” said Zondi.
He assured visitors that they have made security preparations for the tourists to feel safe during
the festive season. KwaZulu-Natal Tourism offers some discounts to visitors which are found at
their website, said Zondi.
He said they have refurbished various establishments to appeal to the visitors. These include the restoration of King Shaka KwaBulawayo Precinct outside Eshowe, King Shaka’s stature at King Shaka International Airport, including various lodges.
Zondi said: “Durban is expecting an estimated 1,3 million tourists and investors to visit the city
over the holiday season, so we believe improving street and community safety will give them
much needed assurance that they have made the right choice to spend their holiday season right
here in KZN.
For the 2024 festive season, the expected international arrivals for December are 69,000 and the domestic trips are 613,000.
The expected spend is R2.2bn. Hotel occupancy is estimated to be around 70%. This is from the trends we see until September this year. In December last year, occupancy was 71%.”
Babalo Mpaka from KZN Sharks Board said they are working to ensure safety gear is back in the
water; boat tours are in operation; shark nets are in place, and shark education tours are in place.
The KZN Tourism and Film teams said they showcased their offerings in many countries in
Africa, Europe, Asia, and North America among others to lure international tourists to visit
South Africa.
The Chief Operating Officer for KZN Tourism and Film, Jackie Motsepe, said, “As a result,
KZN Tourism & Film is aggressively going after these markets – and that means reigniting
relations with the international trade by reintroducing the KZN brand in the post-COVID-19 via
trade engagements.’’
During the festive holidays families visit their relatives, friends or go on holidays. KwaZulu-
Natal usually welcomes visitors from different parts of the world including China, India, US,
Britain, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini among others.
