KZN kicks off Tourism Month in fine style

September is the time when we kick off tourism month, encouraging visitors and travellers to explore the sights and sounds of KwaZulu-Natal which is keeping up with the new market trends to remain on the radar for both domestic and international visitors.

Tourism Month will be celebrated under the banner, “Tourism and the Digital Transformation”.

This month will further be underpinned by Sho’t Left Travel Week, a ground-breaking initiative by South African Tourism which will see a host of trade partners, airlines, hotel groups and tour operators offering generous discounts during the week starting 24 September 2018.

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MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala said: “KZN had not been left unscathed by the digital communication advancements as it had made its claim for a slice of the world tourism market. The Province continued to improve its tourism product and service offerings, which was reflected in the growth trajectory of visitors gracing our shores in the first quarter of this year.

“The power of the digital marketing in the form of internet amongst other things, provides an effective platform to beam out a plethora of tourism attractions that make this province a unique destination that boasts an infusion of diverse cultures of African, European and Oriental origins that makes KwaZulu-Natal a real home away from home for many people the world over.”

The official Tourism Month celebrations will be held in the Harry Gwala district from September 12-14, 2018, where we will be highlighting some of our small towns and exploring their amazing hidden gems.

Zikalala continued: “Together, let’s keep the right focus on this important industry and reaffirm the value of harnessing innovation and new digital developments that would ensure that as tourism sectors grows, it also creates socio-economic opportunities for local communities.

“Amid constrained economic conditions, tourism business continues. We believe it could add value to our long- term vision of radical economic transformation that prioritizes the historically excluded sections of our society including the youth and women.”

Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) Phindile Makwakwa said: “We encourage the people of KZN, and visitors, from outside the Province to travel and become great ambassadors of the Zulu Kingdom, exploring the variety of deals on offer, including our DoKZN packages.”

Tourism month will be supported by various activities. One of which will be the hosting of the Lilizela Tourism Awards, recognising and rewarding tourism players and businesses who work passionately to deliver a world-class product and service.

These provincial winners will now go forward to compete for a top position in the national finals hosted by the Minister of Tourism.

KwaZulu-Natal is fast making strides in smart technology, Makwakwa said, from mobile integration with the new KZN Travel app, and augmented virtual technology reality allowing one to explore their tourism offerings beforehand.

The APP is aimed at assisting travelers and visitors to navigate through the province with ease. Whether they are looking for beach activities, restaurants, conference facilities and accommodation, the APP will assist with all this right under their thumb.

Makwakwa said: “Using the power of the internet, we are providing the hidden gems of our province with a platform that allows them to shine a light so bright it can reach all four corners of the world.”

“We applaud the advancements of the digital world and the critical role digital transformation has played in growing an inclusive and sustainable tourism economy in our province.

“We are ready for these changes, we are embracing them and growing with them and looking to the future of travel.”

An example of this is the Virtual Reality experience is open to all users and which can be found at the TKZN Ushaka offices.

Whether it’s a hotel property, museum, or a tourist destination, guests can have a sneak preview without even leaving their living room through technology. As part of all this, many tourism and hotel companies are not just putting photographs on their website or offline functions in mobile format, they are creating virtual experiences with new business models specifically for the mobile channel.

“After all nothing can replace the first- time real feeling when you dip your toes into our warm waters, or cast your eyes on wildlife from an open-air vehicle or feast your ears on the sound of the African drum as the sun sets,” Makwakwa added.

TKZN is planning a number of activities around South Africa where it will promote “Do KZN” Domestic marketing campaign, including the Gauteng Getaway Show in September and other activations in the Western Cape and the Free State.

For more information on all the events that will take place in the province during Tourism Month, visit www.zulu.org.za

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