Hopes sparked for tourism boom

There is a sense of optimism with regards tourism for the South Coast, with international stars scouting film locations, local tourism products selected for representation at international roadshows, and the business community welcoming the launch of the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide.

“After two incredibly tough years, our tourism economy is finally opening up again and we’ve noted significant demand for the coast’s business tourism offerings,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT).

“Concerted efforts to promote the area’s ‘bleisure’ tourism opportunities, MICE offerings and dedicated film locations have certainly paid off, and we’re witnessing a big uptake in our business tourism sector. I think it’s safe to say, the KZN South Coast is now on the map as an international tourism destination.”

She said the launch of the Meeting Planner Guide was incredibly well-received at Meetings Africa: “We’ve already seen an uptake in business tourism enquiries. It’s the perfect one-stop business directory that makes planning business engagements so much simpler as it provides event organisers with a comprehensive listing of business conference, meetings, teambuilding and accommodation requirements.”

Having welcomed international film crews for wildlife documentaries, as well as setting the scene for international films and local shows – including SABC 3’s The Longest Date and Trippin’ with the Kandasamys – it’s no surprise that the coast is becoming established as a top film destination.

This was highlighted by a recent visit from Hollywood superstar, Tom Cruise, who was spotted at Oribi Gorge scouting locations for filming.

Building on its extensive recovery efforts, South African Tourism (SAT) will be hosting its biggest, independent travel trade initiative in India – the annual SA Tourism Roadshow.

This in-person roadshow was the first mega-event post-pandemic and traveled to the Indian cities of Delhi, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Mumbai recently.

SA Tourism identified five tourism products to feature on the roadshow – two of which come from the KZN South Coast. These included the Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge and Shark Cage Diving KZN in Rocky Bay.

Paul Jefferys of Wild 5 Adventures said they’d been fortunate to engage with Indian-based travel operators through the ‘Virtually Yours’ travel roadshow hosted by SAT, but this was the first in-person engagement.

“It’s definitely easier to engage face-to-face and I know a lot of effort has been put into developing relations with the Indian, Australian and New Zealand markets so this was a great opportunity,” said Jefferys.

He explained that the five tourism products were selected across the tourism industry to showcase the diverse offerings from South Africa: “It’s incredible that two of the five products are from the KZN South Coast. It shows the diverse tourism offerings we do have, as well as the quality, level of service and value for money afforded visitors.”

John Miller of Shark Cage Diving KZN, said it was a ‘great privilege’ to be included in the roadshow. “The loss of international clients coming into South Africa because of Covid-19 hit us very hard,” said Miller, who started the organisation 13 years ago. “Shark cage diving is a big drawcard for international tourists and a great way to let people experience sharks in their natural environment. There’s no need for diving experience, and anyone from six years old can do it – even non-swimmers!”

Miller said they were also invited by SA Tourism to participate in the virtual tour for the Indian market and were excited to finally meet with tour operators face-to-face.

“I hope we will get lots of clients from India – with everything we have to offer both on land and sea. This exposure is going to be great for our business. We just have to sell our product and bring the people to the playground of Africa!”

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