The KwaZulu Natal North Coast is confident its high-season tourism and hospitality numbers will outpace even pre-pandemic levels.
Impact tourism – a growing trend where travellers prioritise destinations and activities focused on environmental sustainability and local community investment – is expected to see growing numbers of international and domestic tourists flooding holiday towns such as Zimbali, Ballito, Salt Rock, Umhlali, Tinley Manor and Zinkwazi.
Linda Mncube, CEO of Enterprise iLembe Economic Development Agency, said: “The KZN North Coast offers five-star accommodation, top-notch leisure attractions and activity sites with breath-taking views, and first-class fine-dining venues.”
Mncube added that tourism was one of the key drivers of the iLembe local economy, as the industry supported in excess of 7 000 jobs. More visitors coming into the area will translate into an increased number of livelihoods being sustained by this sector.
“From January to June 2022, in terms of the economic impact, tourism contributed about R1.7 billion (€10m) to the GDP of the iLembe region.
“All establishments are open and ready to welcome visitors. The occupancy rate along the KZN North Coast is sitting at 70% so I encourage visitors to book in advance to avoid any disappointment,” he said.
Durban’s Blue Flag beaches reopen
Meanwhile, eThekwini Municipality has reopened certain Durban beaches after they were closed in August due to an E.coli scare.
According to spokesperson Musawenkosi Mayisela, the city has acted on the advice of experts who said water levels had improved and were suitable for recreational activities.
He said Blue Flag beaches Point, uShaka, Addington, North and Brighton – some of the most popular beaches with international visitors – were open, as well as South, Wedge, Bay of Plenty, Battery, Country Club, Reunion, Pipeline, Toti Main and Warner.
The ban remains for Westbrook, Bronze, Laguna, Thekwini, Umhlanga, uMdloti, and uMgababa beaches.
Mayisela said regular assessments of water quality at the beaches were continuing, to ensure public safety.
