Talks held to boost tourism and investment

Are there plans to direct flights and passengers from King Shaka International Airport to Margate Airport?

This was a question by Advocate Reshwant Brijraj of Umdoni to the KZN Tourism and Film Authority during an engagement workshop held at the Umthunzi Hotel in Tweni last week.

Brijraj said there was a scope for expansion at Margate Airport, adding that if they could take tourists there, it would enhance tourism.

South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise’s CEO, Vusumuzi Sibiya, said the stakeholder engagement session was aimed at introducing their collaboration with the tourism and film authority for better results.

Sibiya said the session was a chance to engage, share ideas and align their strategic objectives.

“The insights and contributions are invaluable to the success of this endeavour. The KZN Tourism and Film Authority marks a progressive new era in promoting our province’s vibrant tourism and dynamic filming sectors. As one of the most diverse regions in South Africa, we are uniquely positioned to attract both visitors and investors who seek authentic experiences, breathtaking natural landscapes, and more,” he said.

He added that tourism and filming have always been central to economic development and job creation on the South Coast.

Sibiya said by aligning their efforts through the partnership, they can unlock new opportunities, overcome industry challenges and position the area as a top destination for tourism and film.

KZN Tourism and Film Authority’s COO, Jackie Motsepe, said the entity was born from the amalgamation of the then Tourism KZN and the former KZN Film Commission.

Motsepe said the provincial government announced the merged entity in May.

“This was a cost-cutting measure and an effort to avoid duplication. We now market and promote the province as a tourism and film destination. There is an active board, and we have aligned the strategies and programmes of the two former entities,” she said.

Joan Gallagher of the Bendigo Conservation Group said the South Coast has attractions that could change the region’s economy.

“However, it all has to do with the environment, and that is what international visitors pay for. They pay for clean environments,” she said.

Meanwhile, Motsepe said public participation was valuable and needed for the entity to execute its plans.

“We need to operationalise our regional airports, such as the one in Margate. I understand that the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (Edtea) with the local municipalities have been working hard to ensure that the airport is upgraded and has capacity for landings,” she said.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Fever’s Facebook page