iSimangaliso tourism investment summit postponed to 2022

The summit was intended to provide a platform to local, national, and international interest groups to access business opportunities available in the Wetland Park.

Among reasons for the postponement was the recent civil unrest which affected South Africa’s two economic hubs in Gauteng and KZN.

iSimangaliso CEO, Sibusiso Bukhosini, explained that last month’s civil disturbances created a lot of uncertainty, “Global media coverage negatively affected South Africa’s image as an attractive investment destination.

“iSimangaliso consulted extensively on whether it would be feasible to continue with the summit considering the prevailing conditions.

“It was then resolved that the environment was not conducive for the summit to continue at this point in time,” he said.

Bukhosini added that the major resurgence of the Covid-19 infections which moved SA to an adjusted alert Level 4 lockdown in June and July could interfere with the summit’s arrangements.

“This included the prohibition of large gatherings, whether indoors or outdoors, curbing inter-provincial travelling and tightened curfew times.”

He said to regain investor confidence, the country ‘should be allowed to heal and for the Covid-19 vaccination programme to continue.

In light of this it has been decided to postpone the summit to March 25 next year.

“Preparation work and planning will continue to ensure that the summit will be an even bigger success.

“The main objectives of the summit are to showcase tourism investment opportunities within the park and to establish contact with potential investors and other stakeholders.”