WEF set to boost KZN tourism

THE WORLD Economic Forum on Africa conference which takes place in Durban next month will see influential business leaders and heads of state gather to discuss the way forward on the continent in terms of economic growth. Although it is not clear what the the economic spin-offs for KwaZulu-Natal and Durban will be, authorities say they expect the conference to boost the local tourism industry as hotels are expected to be operating at full capacity during the event. The conference is expected to attract 800 influential leaders, with President Jacob Zuma leading the local delegation with 20 cabinet ministers accompanied by the KwaZulu-Natal provincial authorities. The National Treasury said more than 1 100 participants would attend the conference, including international organisations, civil society, academics and the media. Some of the issues that will be addressed include education; skills and employment; entrepreneurship; energy; infrastructure and development finance; combating, adapting to and building resilience against climate change and science, technology and innovation. –