Tourism body plans to create 1,000 jobs

With official registration with Durban Tourism completed and funding provided by eThekwini Municipality, Sodurba is set to be fully-functional in a matter of weeks. “Our goal, once we are formally up-and-running is to create 1,000 jobs in one year, which shouldn’t be too hard a task because there are so many opportunities in the area,” said Sodurba chairman, Harry Etheridge.

According to Harry, on the Bluff alone, there are at least 250 tourism products, but only 20 are registered. “Our first step is to identify, register and licence these tourism operators and make sure they are running legal operations in areas where consent for that type of business is given.

We are not using a ‘big stick’ approach. We want to encourage people to come forward and get assistance from us, allowing them greater opportunities to access a wider market and to avoid legal ramifications for ignoring legislation. The municipality is going to crack down on people operating illegal businesses in the near future.”

Sodurba covers a large area from Whilson’s Wharf to Umbilo, Manor Gardens, Bellair to Yellowwood Park, Montclair, Wentworth, the Bluff, Isipingo and Prospecton. There are lots of tourism products in the area already, which according to Harry, need to be quality-controlled to compete on an international level.

The team is currently working with Durban Tourism and international consultants on a strategy for the area to make it attractive to international tourists. “We plan to package products as a whole instead of everyone operating in isolation, providing a better option for tourists. With so many different attractions on offer, it makes sense to offer a holistic experience to visitors.”

A 2020 strategy is being put in place, with short, medium and long term goals to develop the area. Already in development is the Indaba Nkulu Hub in Yellowwood Park, which offers wildlife, art, history and education in one place.

Harry believes the dug-out port plans, which are still in discussion, will allow the team to engage with developers to ensure the area is still a viable tourism destination. He hopes the tours of the locale will include a look at the highly-modern new port.

An upgrade of the Whilson’s Wharf area, including traffic and architectural signage and transportation is set to take place in the next few months. A long term plan sees a waterfront development of the Albert Park and Whilson’s Wharf area to make it a bigger tourist attraction.

There is also a plan to create smaller side attractions in alignment with the annual Top Gear Festival, and to make the beaches in the South Durban area internationally-recognised landmarks.

“Unregistered people will miss out on these opportunities. Durban Tourism has a lot of events and functions planned over the course of the next few years and registered business owners will have the opportunity to be involved and to have their product advertised not only locally, but internationally. The registered businesses will, of course, have to comply with standards and will receive ratings, but they will also have assistance when facing problems or dealing with complaints.”

The CTO is currently looking for premises, which are geographically viable to service the entire area. This office will be fully-equipped with full-time staff, offering information on tour operators, local information, maps and assistance to tourists. The offices are needed urgently and request the public to assist with ideas, or offers. The funding received from the municipality also needs to be matched by Sodurba and this presents an opportunity for bigger businesses to get involved.

There are nine CTOs operating in Durban and surrounds, with most of them running successfully with hundreds of members. “People need to get registered if they want the area to be improved. The municipality will give funding to the CTOs that are successful. If communities get involved and there is a profit to be made, then more money will be given to the area. If we have a strong tourism product to offer, we will get the funding and more can be done to uplift the community,” said Harry.

Visit www.sodurba.com, email info@sodurba.com or phone 072-060-7707 for information, to register or to assist with funding or premises.