Tourism needs united effort
ONLY a collective approach, with all sectors fully engaged, will grow tourism in the City of uMhlathuze.
This was the dominant message at a poorly attended AGM of the uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO) held on Thursday at the Richards Bay Civic Centre, where a number of guest speakers gave valuable input.
Senior Tourism Officer at King Cetshwayo District Municipality, Anita
Tait pointed out the need to align national, provincial, district and local plans.
‘Tourism is not limited to pleasure and recreation; it can also include, business, health, education and a number of other topics of interest.
‘One must constantly rethink and research tourism and travel. Most people are searching and booking online; they go to Facebook and websites before they go to travel agents.
‘Make sure you use the right terminology so that search engines will pick up your advert.
‘Above all, quality products backed by service excellence will attract and retain tourists.’
Tait said the film industry is increasingly using the area’s natural beauty, especially around eShowe area, bringing in massive tourism business.
She pledged the District’s support to the uCTO.
Director of the Pietermaritzburg Tourism Association, Dumisani Mhlongo addressed non-membership problems in the city, where uCTO members are losing business to hosts of unregistered and non-compliant product owners.
‘Membership of CTOs is the law and EDTEA (Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs) must ensure that those involved in the tourism business have CTO membership, first and foremost.
‘Municipal by-laws must also be enforced. Unless things are done correctly, tourism will not be taken seriously.
‘But while local government must be persuaded to invest in tourism, the uCTO must ensure it participates in the IDP process to access its proper share of the budget,’ said Mhlongo.
He advised the uCTO exco members to attend the Provincial Tourism Forum in order to gain a bigger voice.
‘Becoming an accredited tourism trainer is also an income generator.
‘The uCTO should also look to house overflow visitors in private homes, such as when the annual Last Dance event has booked all available beds.’
Mhlongo noted an increasing number of emerging eventers and said the city must look to lure major events from Durban.
AMAFA Heritage representative Jabu Mazibiko encouraged tour operators to visit the many heritage sites in the region.
‘Places like the Ondini Heritage Site, which also houses the KwaZulu Cultural Museum, and the eMakhosini Valley – the PMB Tourism Association Director, Dumisani Mhlongo said compulsory CTO membership must be enforced valley of the graves of the kings - and eMakhosini Opathe Heritage Park are steeped in history and culture.
‘The lives and deeds of the Zulu kings are central to heritage tourism, as are the battlefields, graves and residences.
‘The majority of them are here in your region and should be maintained,’ she said.
At the meeting, Michael Shandu was installed as chairman of the uCTO. Deputy Manager: Business Support, Markets and Tourism at the City of uMhlathuze - Sibonisile Maduma said networking opportunities must be used to improve and grow the sector