While KwaZulu-Natal has opened the gates on development of all-inclusive resorts - such as South Africa’s first Club Med on the North Coast and the Blue Marlin All-Inclusive Seascape, recently opened on the South Coast - there are questions over the accessibility of these resorts for international visitors.

To give these resorts true international appeal, KZN needs more international airlift into Durban’s King Shaka International Airport.

Provincial authorities plan to use these new resorts to grow the international, inbound market. “Insights on global trends indicate that certain markets, like the French, Belgian and UK, are keen on all-inclusive resorts. So having such resorts will go a long way in opening new European markets for KwaZulu-Natal and could possibly lead to more all-inclusive resorts,” the KZN Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA) told Tourism Update.

The two resorts are emerging at a time when global demand for this type of all-inclusive resort is about to increase. According to Expedia’s Unpack ’25 survey, all-inclusive resorts are starting to attract Generation Z travellers, with a third saying their perception of the resorts had changed for the better, and 42% saying an all-inclusive resort would be their preferred hotel type.

KZNTFA believes that these resorts are more suited to international travellers than the domestic market, as domestic travellers tend to look for shorter stays where they can explore the region more. International travellers prefer to stay in a place for longer periods with their activities part of a full-service package.

The region already caters for the demands of the domestic market, according to the authority, but these new resorts will go a long way to position KZN as a global destination offering a world-class experience.

Air access – growth is stunted

While these all-inclusive resorts bet on the international market, according to data from Durban Direct, Durban is served by only 22 international frequencies through King Shaka International Airport. The region’s capacityremains 39% below pre-pandemic levels.

Thulisile Galelekile, Executive Manager of Strategy and Operations at Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal said: “Durban Direct is working proactively to build a compelling business case to attract additional airlines, including major carriers like Air France, to introduce flights to the region.”

The allure of these resorts will be used as leverage for new flights, and there is a natural synergy between Club Med and Air France, both being iconic French companies.

“Direct flights will enhance convenience for travellers, boost tourism, and open up new avenues for international business,” said Galelekile.

Wayne Neath, Resort Sales Tribal Chief for Dream Hotels and Resorts, which launched the Blue Marlin this year, said increased air access was crucial for KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism growth, especially for expansion into key international source markets.

“Further airlift would greatly benefit the region, allowing for more consistent and accessible travel options for inbound tourists. There have been promising discussions about adding more routes and capacity on the KZN route.”

Neath believes that increasing the airlift to the area will not happen quickly.

“These expansions require time, due to complex stakeholder involvement, licensing requirements, and assessments of economic viability.

“We’re hopeful these plans will soon come to fruition to support the region’s tourism industry.”