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KwaZulu-Natal wants to become the biggest tourism destination on the continent.
Outlining its plans at the announcement of Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban this week, Siza Sibande, acting head of the economic development, tourism and environmental affairs department, said KwaZulu-Natal was planning to become the best tourist attraction in the country and on the continent.
Sibande said about R1.3 billion would be invested in the tourism industry and used to create jobs. “We are going to identify new opportunities and package new products.”
He said beachfront development was already under way.
“The beachfront is a huge destination and it is one of the most travelled in the country. We are getting more products that will add value in the accommodation sector. Our province is like the world in one place – we have the Drakensberg Mountain. Then there’s the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which we have recently improved.”
He said Hluhluwe Game Park, which has the big five, was one of the popular destinations. “The rhino poaching has gone down drastically over the years and the diversity of the animals adds value in terms of our tourism products.”
Sibande said hosting the World Football Summit in 2020 will boost the province’s efforts to attract more people.
The most influential professionals gathered at the summit and it would provide opportunities to discuss relevant topics and generate business.
He said the Durban ICC was becoming the biggest conference centre in the country. Sibande said the tourism industry would capitalise on big music events held in Durban and try to grow this sector.
“These are some of the initiatives that will help Durban to be the leading tourism destination in Africa.”
The Africa’s Travel Indaba will be held at the Durban ICC from May 2 to 4.
