Heritage and tourism come alive in KZN

Heritage festivals, global showcases and strong visitor growth put KZN in centre stage this September.

The KZN Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), in partnership with the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), officially launched Tourism Month this week.

Under the global theme Tourism and Sustainable Transformation, Tourism Month is a chance to showcase KZN’s unmatched combination of bush, beach and berg, highlighting the resilience of the provincial economy, which continues to record strong growth in international arrivals, while promoting domestic travel.

The authority said this is a collective call to grow the tourism sector in a way that is equitable, future-focused and inclusive of all South Africans.

KZNTAFA acting CEO Sibusiso Gumbi stressed the importance of adopting the theme in KZN.

“Tourism Month is a celebration and a strategic platform empowering communities, entrepreneurs and young people to see tourism as their industry of the future,” he said.

To mark this month, a range of activities has been curated in partnership with provincial government and private sector stakeholders.

Heritage and Tourism Month activities

• Provincial Tourism Month celebrations led by EDTEA MEC Musa Zondi

• 11 September visit to Indoni Yamanzi Bar & Grill, KwaDlangezwa

• Tourism and Film School awareness programmes: Top pupils from three districts will visit tourism and film attractions, promoting entrepreneurship and visitor safety

• Tourism safety drive in partnership with uShaka Marine, KZN Sharks Board, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uMsinsi

• Heritage festivals and tourism activations: uMkhosi Womhlanga 6 to 7 September; Emanchonbeni Royal Palace 13 to 15 September; uMkhosi weLembe 24 September

• World Tourism Day (27 September) with KZN joining global celebrations

• Special project: My Travel Diary: Zululand is a 30-minute episode set to air on Emirates in-flight and European networks

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