The KwaZulu Natal Provincial Government is working to ensure that its tourism industry grows to the benefit of entrepreneurs from previously excluded communities.

“We are working hard to ensure that this industry is not just growing but is also inclusive and transformed to accommodate entrepreneurs from the historically excluded communities, as we intend attracting more than 3.4 million international tourists by 2030 to complete the already booming domestic market,” said  Sihle Zikalala, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.

During the launch of the Qabuleka Guesthouse on Saturday (June 23) in Nongoma, the MEC said tourism was one of the province’s strategic sectors and contributed in excess of 8% to the provincial Gross Domestic Product.

“In terms of monetary value, this is estimated at R24 billion (€1,5bn) a year and our long-term objective is to scale up this figure to between R65bn and R98bn (€4.1bn and €6.2bn) over the next years, which would generate around 183 000 employment opportunities,” he said.

The MEC said Qabuleka Guesthouse would contribute to the growing demand for business people and tourist accommodation in the Nongoma area, which, according to Zikalala is experiencing steady growth.

“Local job creation is the key to boosting local economy. With the injection of economic activities, including tourism, we are also optimistic that the locals, especially young people, would be inspired to pursue careers and business options in the tourism industry by capitalising on Zululand’s infinite beauty, cultural and historical splendour,” Zikalala said.

He encouraged the province’s tourism industry to provide the best service possible to visitors.

“It is incumbent upon all of us that we provide our visitors with top-drawer service … We have to improve the levels of professionalism and cleanliness as part of compliance in terms of registration and adherence to protocols governing hospitality and leisure establishments in the country. This should also feature being part of the peer organisations to learn new traits in the sectors to be able to remain relevant in the fast-changing business environment,” concluded Zikalala.