TOURISM KZN GETS TRAVEL FANS TO POUR OUT THEIR LOVE FOR KZN

The page has turned into a digital destination of everything they love about KZN and are sharing their plans on how they will reconnect and rebuild the province when regulations are relaxed on falling levels of lockdown.

“Whilst we understand that the lockdown is needed to flatten the curve, travellers are beginning to experience a bit of cabin fever and are desperate to go back to the things they love and enjoy,” said Phindile Makwakwa, acting CEO of TKZN

“We started the MY KZN page as part of the greater destination awareness marketing strategy to ensure that KZN remains top of mind and we become the ‘must visit’ destination as soon as the travel bans are lifted.”

“We are thrilled by the outpouring of love and great sentiments that we have seen so far, that show that travellers miss the destination just as much as we miss them.”

While the coronavirus continues to impact travel globally, KZN outdoor lovers are yearning to traipse through their favourite spots and are showing their eagerness and excitement by posting photos and reviews of past travels.

“Travellers are not holding back and are speaking from the heart when they relate how much they are fascinated by everything that KZN has to offer.

“No number of glossy brochures can promote tourism in KZN as much as the sincere sentiments of travel fans.

“We are overwhelmed that there is such a large community of KZN admirers all set and ready to jumpstart tourism in the province as soon as the lockdown regulations have been lifted,” Makwakwa said.

She said although travel has come to a virtual standstill due to the pandemic, the market is expected to regain its footing in the latter part of the year and next year.

“Judging from the feelings of nostalgia and craving expressed on the MY KZN Facebook page, we can brace for a rush to tourist destinations when the all-clear sign is given.

“There is so much of love, fondness and affection for KZN and this bodes well for those in the travel trade as it indicates the cash registers could soon be ringing again. Together, we will rebuild and get back to business… soon!”

https://www.facebook.com/gagasiworld/videos/549524422399508/

Zee Ndaba said: “I am a tour guide in the Drakensberg. This is my life, my church. I cannot wait to go hiking.”

Health communications specialist, former journalist, avid traveller and foodie, Zinhle Mapumulo, who posted a review, said: “I was supposed to be waking up at the Granny Mouse Country House on June 29, my birthday, but COVID19 is having none of that.

“Since my birthday holiday treat has been postponed, let me share a review I wrote some time ago about this amazing place in the KZN Midlands. It remains my favourite spot to this day.”

Verushka Ramsami wrote: “Our province is indeed a melting pot of flavours and tastes. And food is a big part of KZN and her people. Sofra Istanbul is an authentic Turkish eatery with branches in Florida Road and at Pavilion. One does not need to go to Turkey to experience the real food, culture and hospitality.”

While Reyo Tsho Ntshiza said she missed hiking and going on road trips with friends and family, Bunny Bhoola enjoyed the “legendary lessons from the fathers of our nation” and punted The Freedom Route which followed the footprints of Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Howick.

Liesl Hefkie posted several photos of interesting places in Durban’s Florida Road and added “no trip to Durban ends without me visiting Eyadini Lounge” in Umlazi.

The travelling public is urged to post images of their best KZN holiday with the hashtags #MyKZN #KZNHasItAll #BelieveIt.

A battle plan has been drawn up to ensure support for the recovery and rehabilitation of tourism in KZN because thousands of jobs are currently at stake and many small, medium and macro enterprises risk closing their business.

To inspire and win the hearts of potential tourists, an inspirational video has been produced (see https://www.zulu.org.za/). The visual message of hope will remind prospective travellers that while “it’s been tough to distance yourself from the warmth of KZN’s shores, exploring the mountain tops of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, and dancing to the beat of Zulu warriors, KZN will see you soon”.

https://www.facebook.com/KZNTourism/videos/2883075065103538/

ABOUT TOURISM KWAZULU-NATAL

 Tourism KwaZulu-Natal is responsible for the development, promotion and marketing of tourism into and within the province, both domestically and internationally. The organisation is an entity that reports to the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

 For more information go to:

Social media links to Tourism KwaZulu-Natal:

Website: https://www.zulu.org.za

Facebook: Tourism KwaZulu-Natal

Instagram: Tourismkzn_offical

Twitter: @TourismKZN

Pinterest: KZN Tourism

Hashtags: #MYKZN #KZNHasItAll #BelieveIt #KZNWillSeeYouSoon