Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) has embarked on a winter campaign to sell the region as a destination of choice in South Africa’s winter months, to both international and domestic travellers.
“Tourism authorities are selling Durban for its weather in winter,” said TKZN’s General Manager of Marketing, Thulisile Galelekile. “Globally, we are getting in touch with tour operators and agents to sell the destination and what it has to offer.”
The campaign is being run across multiple platforms, including airline publications and other print and online platforms, and TKZN will be working with Expedia.com to reach out to an international audience to encourage them to visit and explore the province.
“We are working with service providers such as accommodation facilities and airlines to put together specials for travellers, which TKZN will promote. We encourage them to give good discounts and share what they offer,” said Galelekile.
The organisation will also be using its mobile app extensively to attract visitors to the province, with information on accommodation, eating establishments and experiences they can enjoy. “This is very useful as a tourism destination promotional tool,” she adds.
Four things to experience in KZN
Galelekile shares her choice of four things to do when visiting the province.
- Explore the townships
“We are actively promoting township tourism,” she says, “which has a wealth of experiences and is rich in history and cultural diversity.”
- Nelson Mandela capture site
The site is a cultural and historical exhibition which is located where former SA President, Nelson Mandela, was apprehended in 1952 for his anti-apartheid activism. The site is open every day, 09h00 to 16h00.
- For the more adventurous
Galelekile suggests that the more adventurous travellers visit the Moses Mabhida stadium to experience the Big Rush Big Swing, which was named the world’s tallest swing in the Guinness Book of Records. A leap takes adventurers in a 220m arc across the stadium.
- Venturing beyond Durban
“Durban is an excellent base from which to explore nearby areas,” says Galelekile, including travelling to the South Coast, which offers numerous experiences such as visiting Beaver Creek Coffee Estate, Crag’s View Wild Care Centre in Port Edward, Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, and enjoying some of the walking trails in Mpenjati Reserve.
Travellers can also visit Oribi Gorge, which offers many activities, including abseiling, white water rafting, the Wild Gorge Swing, and viewing the diverse birdlife.
