The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Tourism and Film Authority has marked a successful Tourism Month, that culminated in the global celebration of World Tourism Day today, Friday September 27.
This year’s event, themed “Tourism and Peace: 30 Years of Connecting People, Places, and Cultures,” provided an opportunity for KZN to showcase its rich cultural heritage while driving its tourism initiatives.
Sibusiso Gumbi, interim CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority, highlighted the vital role tourism played in fostering peace and economic growth.
“Sustainable tourism can transform communities – creating jobs, fostering inclusion, and connecting local economies that ultimately brings about peace,” Mr Gumbi said.
He highlighted the significance of September for both tourism and heritage, noting the dual opportunity to market KZN’s cultural diversity and promote domestic travel.
One of the standout events during Tourism Month was the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Reed Dance, that attracted around 40 000 maidens from across Eswatini, Mpumalanga, and KZN. The ceremony not only highlighted traditional Zulu customs but also drew significant tourist interest to the region.
He said KZN’s tourism sector had witnessed encouraging growth over recent months. Domestic tourist numbers increased from 969 765 in the first quarter of 2023 to 1 181173 in the same period this year.
Additionally, there was a notable rise in visitors from Africa, with arrivals from the continent growing from 98 207 in early 2023 to 112 698 this year. Eswatini led as the top contributor of tourists from neighbouring countries.
July 2024 saw a total of 699 566 tourist arrivals into KZN, with 534 085 of these visitors hailing from nearby Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho. This trend aligns with Stats SA’s report showing an overall increase in international arrivals to South Africa from January to July 2024, up from 4.7 million to 5.1 million compared to last year.
Mr Gumbi said with the summer season fast approaching, KZN was preparing for a surge in tourism, particularly as schools close and businesses take annual breaks.
He expressed optimism about the upcoming holiday period: “We expect to welcome a growth in domestic tourism numbers as we move into summer.”
Durban Tourism anticipates over 1.3 million visitors during the summer months, with hotel and guest house occupancy rates projected to exceed 65%. The direct tourism spend is expected to reach approximately R2.5 million, contributing R6.3 million to the province’s GDP, while creating over 11 000 employment opportunities.
The tourism authority’s efforts have been bolstered by recent high-profile events, including the iconic Hollywoodbets Durban July horserace and the Reed Dance, both of which highlighted KZN’s unique cultural and natural heritage. The merger between KZN Film and Tourism KZN has also enhanced the seamless integration of film and tourism initiatives, further strengthening the province’s appeal.
Tourism Month saw a variety of promotional activities aimed at both local and international markets.
These included events such as:
Nelson Mandela Legacy Ride4Hope: A 100-cyclist race from the Nelson Mandela Capture Site in Howick to Qunu in the Eastern Cape.
Southern Drakensberg Tourism Summit: Hosted in collaboration with Harry Gwala District Municipality.
Lesotho Tourism and Development Board Visit: Showcasing KZN’s tourism potential to Lesotho delegates.
China Market Roadshow: Promoting KZN as a destination of choice in Beijing and Shanghai.
Sanganai International Tourism Expo: A showcase of KZN tourism offerings in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe.
Africa Showcase Mitteleuropa (16-22 September): Engaging with German travel agents in Hamburg and Munich.
Top Resa Paris Trade Show: Showcasing KZN’s attractions to French travel industry representatives.
“It’s been a very hectic month. I am sure our hard work both locally and around the world will reap positive benefits, and we will see an increase in tourists to KZN,” Mr Gumbi said.
