North Coast blue flag beaches a festive season booster
With holiday bookings already at 70%, the awarding of Blue Flag status to three local beaches should have a positive impact.
The awarding of Blue Flag status to three KwaDukuza beaches last Wednesday comes just in time before the festive season, and will no doubt add impetus to the already solid holiday bookings for the North Coast.
The KwaDukuza municipality has welcomed the announcement that Blue Flag status has been awarded to Willard, Thompson’s Bay and Blythedale beaches.
KwaDukuza was one of two KZN municipalities selected for the 2022-2023 season, the other being Ray Nkonyeni on the South Coast.
Awards are allocated for excellence in safety, amenities, cleanliness and meeting environmental standards.
“With three out of 51 South African sites to have obtained this coveted status, we approach the festive season with confidence knowing that our beaches are rated in the global market. We are stoked and more than ready to host holidaymakers,” mayor Lindi Nhaca said.
iLembe Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Tourism CEO, Cobus Oelofse, said: “This is great news and excellent timing in anticipation of our primary holiday season coming up. We hope it will encourage responsible use and compliance with by-laws, especially relating to alcohol consumption. The contribution from the private sector to local authorities in achieving this status should also be recognised and we should strive to maintain and honour this status.”
Enterprise iLembe CEO Linda Mncube said the North Coast was open for business and ready to welcome visitors.
“Daily tests are carried out to ensure the water is safe,” he said.
Tourism is one of the main drivers of the iLembe economy, with the industry supporting more than 7 000 jobs.
According to Mncube, between January and June this year tourism contributed about R1.7-billion to the GDP of the iLembe region.
“The occupancy rate along the KZN North Coast is sitting at 70%, so I encourage visitors to book in advance to avoid disappointment,” he said.
Tourism KZN Acting CEO, Nhlanhla Khumalo, said they were thrilled about three of KwaDukuza’s beaches being awarded Blue Flag status.
“This certification is recognised globally and assures beachgoers that stringent criteria have been met and maintained. The province remains a firm favourite beach destination and this status goes a long way to affirm that holidaymakers can safely revel in the sun, sand and sea,” he said.
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