The North Coast region of KwaZulu Natal is projecting a bumper summer season, with all accommodation expected to be fully booked between December 15 and January 5.
According to figures from economic development organisation Enterprise iLembe, tourists spent a total of R2.2 billion (€107 million) on the North Coast – which stretches from Durban and upwards through the towns of Ballito, Amanzimtoti, Shelley Beach, Margate, Richards Bay and Kosi Bay – in the first six months of 2023. And this figure could double by the end of the year.
Speaking at the North Coast roll-out of KwaZulu Natal’s summer season campaign on December 8, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs MEC Siboniso Duma, said his department was working closely with Tourism KZN to prepare for the tourist influx.
“We have teamed up with events planners, tourism agencies and associations to ensure that there is a line-up of activities throughout the corners of the province. We can confidently state that we have something for everyone, from young to senior, from beach-goers to nature lovers,” he said.
He added that the safety of visitors was critical and law enforcement agencies had been deployed to ensure visibility.
“We are also requesting beachgoers not to drink and swim. Let us also maintain the cleanliness of our beaches to ensure that the next person has quality time throughout the festive season.”
iLembe District Municipality Mayor Thobani Shandu said the combined international and domestic visitor spend in the first six months of 2023 in the district was more than double that for the same period of 2022. This translated into a R3.4bn (€166m) contribution to the province’s GDP, supported 7 255 jobs and contributed R816m (€40m) to local household incomes.
International tourists to the district had risen to 23% of overall visits, with the top source markets being Germany (26%), the UK (18%), the Netherlands (6%), Australia (6%) and the USA (5%).
Duma cited these figures as a good indication that the international tourism sector was starting to recover, and the development of a Club Med Resort at Tinley Manor will further stimulate numbers.
“We hope that other developers will follow Club Med’s example by developing other major resorts along the pristine North Coast, which is close to many Big Five game reserves and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park World Heritage Site,” he said
Tourist safety a priority
Additional lifeguards, beach ambassadors and rescue equipment are being deployed along the region’s beaches, while the KZN Sharks Board was also working to ensure the safety of beach-goers and swimmers.
“Our bather protection services remain vital in promoting the beach tourism of the KZN province. We’d like to remind all the visitors that have chosen to visit our province to take all the necessary safety precautions whilst swimming. This includes swimming at protected beaches of which there are a wide variety,” he said.
In further efforts to ensure tourist safety, a multi-stakeholder law enforcement campaign will roll out from December 15 at the Umvoti Toll Plaza on the north coast.
Led by KwaZulu Natal Liquor Authority, the campaign targets KwaZulu Natal’s various entry points and aims to encourage tourists to be vigilant and responsible road users. Other entities supporting the campaign include the Road Traffic Inspectorate, law enforcement agencies, Tourism KZN and Sanral.
