Tourism businesses must be registered
It is mandatory for tourism and leisure enterprises in KZN to register with the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
TOURISM product owners in the city are reminded of the need to register their businesses with the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO).
‘According to regulations promulgated on 13 May 2004, it is mandatory for enterprises whose primary objective is to provide services and facilities to tourists in KZN to register with the KZN Department of Economic Development and Tourism,’ said uCTO Chairperson Mandla Magagula.
‘This is done via the CTO which, like any other business association, is required by law to be the voice of the tourism and leisure industry role-players at all levels.
‘Our purpose is to disseminate the information about tourist destinations, attractions and accommodation.
‘We encourage interactions among those involved in the tourism business, thus promoting the image of the City of uMhlathuze.
‘We also enhance our identity by encouraging effectiveness and professionalism of our members through networking, partnerships and tourism awareness education.’
Besides currently building up its data base, uCTO is also putting together a calendar of events in the city, and is keen to hear of and promote any planned event that attracts people, including day visitors from the region, to the city.
This includes sport, culture, entertainment or any other type of mass activity.
If you are planning any show or event, please convey the details to Sipho Mchunu, email Sipho.Mchunu@umhlathuze.gov.za
Benefits
Besides being an obligatory requirement, membership of the CTO gives product owners a number of benefits, among others:
• Inclusion in a comprehensive database
• Free listings in marketing material such as travel guides, trade directories, niche brochures and maps
• A web-page hosted and generated by uCTO
• Permission to display brochures at uMhlathuze flagship information office and airport office
• Access to the uMhlathuze CTO Logo to assist in promoting uMhlathuze as a tourist destination, and your own business.
• Opportunity to take advantage of economical advertising in a wide range of print and electronic media
• Opportunity to participate in trade shows
• Opportunity to host media exploring the uMhlathuze region.
• Membership Certificates issued to all affiliated members
• Free training/ workshops facilitated by Municipality
• CTO will be mouthpiece of product owner members.
