Organisation aims to bring cultural diversity to tourism sector
The cultural experience includes temple visits, as well as an opportunity to explore Indian markets, fashion, jewellery and cuisine.
HOPING to bring diversity to the tourism sector, the Sodurba Tourism Association relaunched its multi-cultural experience, in partnership with various temples situated around the south Durban area.
The launch was held at one of the temples, the Clairwood Shree Siva Soobramoniar Temple, recently.
Sodurba, a Community Tourism Organisation(CTO), is the official tourism body for south Durban. Its aim is to identify and develop tourism in the area.
Helga du Preez, the chairperson of the association, which is a public benefit organisation (PBO), said in 2017 they had launched their urban route which consisted of three legs, maritime heritage, conservation legacy and multi-cultural, of which the temple experience is part of.
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She said seven temples in the south Durban area shared their vision and agreed to come on board.
“The vision is to create an experience of culture and tradition. This is a new and unique opportunity, as well a niche market to tap into. Each temple represents a unique history and should be shared with all.
“Furthermore, the Indian community plays an extremely important part of Durban’s history, especially here in the south Durban area, and it is time we acknowledge and celebrate it,” she said.
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Du Preez said the cultural experience does not only include temple visits, but also gives people an opportunity to explore Indian markets, fashion, jewellery and cuisine.
“All of which are very unique. For example, a tour could consist of a visit to an Indian market, followed by a temple visit and end off with Indian refreshments. It can also be a visit to all of the temples.
“There are a lot of opportunities that need to be explored and ideally should be done in combination with the festival calendar. A special event provides a great opportunity to showcase the tradition and culture to people from all walks of life,” she said.
Du Preez said each of the temples from areas including Clairwood, Merebank, and Isipingo, among others, received a Sodurba banner and certificate.
“We are thankful to these temples for sharing in our vision and their willingness to give this a try. This is still very new territory for us, but our aim is to now create exposure to this unique experience and get it off the ground. We are looking forward to what this new concept will bring to the tourism industry,” she said.
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