Targets set for tourism season
KZN will again offer an unforgettable holiday season experience along its coastline from Kosi Bay in the east to Port Edward in the south.
These were the words of MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala during the launch of the festive season in Durban last week.
He said the province is geared up to welcome an influx of thousands of tourists and visitors to the province’s shores.
Speaking on the various tourist attractions, Zikalala said KZN is endowed with two World Heritage Sites namely iSimangaliso Wetland Park and uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
‘We have organised a series of activities and events in all the parts of the province to ensure that our visitors have a fulfilling and rewarding stay in KZN,’ Zikalala said.
He said this festive season, his department is working on attracting no fewer than 850 000 domestic visitors and 150 000 international visitors a feat that will see R2.4-billion injected into the provincial economy.
Last year the province hosted 600 000 domestic visitors and 138 000 international tourists.
‘Over the next two years, we want to grow the tourism impact on the province’s GDP in the region of R65-billion and R98-billion.
‘This will enable us to reach our target of creating 183 000 direct jobs over the same period. By 2030, we want to attract at least 3.4 million international visitors.’
He also urged holiday makers to use registered and graded tourism accommodation establishments.’
Zikalala added that all safety precautions will be undertaken to ensure the safety of bathers.