Speakers at the inaugural uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation AGM: Waldo van Schalkwyk – KZN Community Tourism Association, Lerato Mndawe – City of uMhlathuze, Ayanda Zondi – Dept of Economic Development and Tourism, Prof Thandi Nzama – Unizulu Head of Recreation and Tourism, Phindile Mgcobo – Tourism KZN and Sipho Mchunu – City of uMhlathuze PHOTO: Dave Savides
THE first steps in reviving the city’s tourism efforts began on Tuesday when a committee was elected at the inaugural AGM of the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (CTO).
Within two weeks the committee, comprising a broad cross-section of product owners, will choose its office-bearers.
Proceedings were led by Ayanda Zondi of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism (DEDT), who explained to the large audience that the White Paper on the development and promotion of tourism in KZN recognises the need for a range of role players to ignite tourism, through the establishing of Community Tourism Organisations.
Roles and responsibilities of the DEDT, municipalities, Tourism KZN (TKZN) and CTOs were addressed in the context of the province’s overall tourism strategy.
‘The private sector – large, medium, small and micro business – owns tourism products and, therefore, drives activities of the CTO,’ said Zondi.
‘Falling under the DEDT, one objective of CTOs is to facilitate equal access to tourism opportunities by local communities.
‘Concerns are that most CTOs in the province are not properly constituted, do not have formal relationships with municipalities and information offices are under-resourced.’
Zondi said the CTO is tasked, among others, to facilitate registration and monitoring of all tourism products in the local area.
‘While CTO members pay annual registration fees, according to their size, municipalities must contribute at least 50% of the CTO budget.
‘The City of uMhlathuze has tremendous potential and it is imperative that there is a visible office, with all the necessary information, open at proper hours for visitors.
‘The department, as well as KZN, Ezemvelo and others are geared to provide brochures and support.’
At the meeting, TKZN Chief Operating Officer Phindile Ngcobo unpacked the new strategy of selling the province’s ‘experiences’, of which eight were identified: warmth, heritage, adventure, trade gateway, Zulu, fun, family-oriented and beaches.
‘Packages are put together at source; but the experience happens here, at product level, which makes the CTOs vital,’ said Ngcobo.
