KZN has it all

MEC MESSAGE - TOURISM MONTH

September is celebrated as Tourism Month across the world and the theme for this year is: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. As per the theme, this year we are celebrating tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development and the role it plays in promoting respect while generating economic opportunities for millions across the country. It is an apt and fitting theme as we work towards renewing and revitalising a tourism sector that has been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic which has had massive social and economic impact.

We know that tourism is a powerful lever that can alleviate poverty through growing and transforming our economy for the upliftment of communities. As we kick off Tourism month, we want to highlight and extend a warm invitation to our regular visitors and encourage new explorers to our exceptional Zulu Kingdom. We want to assure our visitors that we are resolute in our endeavours to contain the spread of the coronavirus and have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that COVID-19 safety and health protocols are adhered to at all our popular establishments and sought-after tourism products.

This month also holds the significance of being one in which we celebrate our diverse heritage. KZN is a South African jewel, rich with culture, beautiful landscapes, and attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in KZN’S diverse culture and heritage by visiting local museums, cultural villages, and historic sites. All our establishments and tourist sites have been modified to meet the current COVID-19 regulations.

Together with our stakeholders and members of the tourism trade, we have gone the extra mile in ensuring that we provide visitors with value for money packages and specials that will help them spend within their budget as we understand that the majority of consumers are also in financial recovery mode and will be watching their spend very closely. More information on these can be found on www.zulu.org.za

We are also working closely with South African Tourism to roll out the South Africa Travel week that will see holidaymakers receiving up to 50% discounts on their next holiday package.

The Zulu Kingdom will come alive with a marketing campaign that will showcase the province’s beautiful destinations and attractions in their full glory. That will boldly tell the story of our provinces’ rich heritage and history as well as exciting experiences. It will exude the warm, adventurous and resilient spirit of the people of Africa’s most sought-after tourist destination.

This tourism month will also see plans for the relaunch of the second phase of the R20 million tourism relief fund gain momentum. The fund

- a much needed injection for KZN’S tourism economy which has been dealt a devastating blow by the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and worsened by the recent unrest - will aid distressed businesses and operators thus making sure that as many businesses as possible receive support.

The tourism relief fund is a joint initiative by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Tourism Kwazulu-natal. Important dates and criteria will be announced in due course.

As the world begins to open up and as we look to the future with hope and excitement, we want to pledge and make sure nobody is left behind, that this tourism month fosters awareness of tourism’s social, cultural and economic value and the contribution that the sector can make towards reaching sustainable development goals.

KZN Is Open for Travel. KZN Has it all. Believe It. “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”