The KZN South Coast is positioning itself as a leading destination for ocean economy investment, with South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) encouraging investors to explore opportunities across the maritime, fisheries and marine tourism sectors.

With its Blue Flag beaches, renowned dive sites, thriving fishing industry and diverse marine experiences, the region offers significant potential for sustainable investment that supports economic growth and job creation.

SCTIE CEO, Vusumuzi Sibiya, said the ocean economy remains one of the region’s greatest growth opportunities.

“The KZN South Coast’s ocean economy is one of our region’s greatest untapped assets. From marine tourism and fisheries to boat building and marine services, the opportunities are diverse, and we invite investors to be part of shaping the future of our coastal economy while creating jobs and supporting sustainable growth,” said Sibiya.

Marine tourism continues to be a major drawcard, with the annual Sardine Run, seasonal whale migration, recreational fishing and scuba diving attracting visitors from around the world. Beyond tourism, opportunities exist in seafood processing, cold storage, boat-building, marine engineering, fishing charters, boat maintenance and marine skills development.

Local operators continue to showcase the strength of the region’s marine tourism offering.

Stefnie Fabricius from Riptide Fishing Charters said that while this year’s Sardine Run featured smaller shoals that moved through the coastline more quickly, anglers still enjoyed memorable fishing experiences.

“This year’s sardine season has been a mixed one, with the sardines arriving in smaller shoals and moving through our waters quite quickly. Even so, we’ve enjoyed some excellent fishing, with anglers landing an impressive variety of species including tuna, dorado, kingfish, couta, snoek and a range of reef fish. One of the things that makes fishing on the South Coast so special is that no two days are ever the same. Whether you’re an experienced angler or trying offshore fishing for the first time, every trip offers a unique and memorable experience.”

Sibiya added that SCTIE continues to support investors by facilitating investment opportunities and connecting businesses with strategic partners, ensuring the South Coast remains an attractive destination for ocean economy investment and marine tourism development.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram