Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) has launched a tourism marketing plan to recover some of the prospects lost as a result of COVID in time for the approaching summer season.
The strategy kicked off with a video of hope on social media to remind prospective travellers that while it’s been tough to stay away from the warmth of KZN’s shores and exploring the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, their favourite places are still there and ready to welcome them back soon.
The MY KZN Facebook page has been launched as part of the greater destination awareness marketing strategy to ensure that the province remains top of mind with hikers, foodies, nature lovers, bikers, runners, beach bums, travel agents and tour guides sharing their plans.
“KZN hotels, holiday resorts, casinos and restaurants have embraced a can-do attitude in the face of the adversity wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said a TKZN spokesperson.
She highlighted that the iconic Oyster Box – which received the top spot in the ‘Top Resort Hotels in Africa’ category in the 25th anniversary Travel & Leisure World’s Best Awards – has reopened its doors for limited business, with The Ocean Terrace Restaurant and The Spa rolling out the red carpet to welcome back its loyal patrons.
According to TKZN there will be financial relief in the form of cheques from the Department of Health for operators of several Durban hotels who have displayed a spirit of humanity in allowing their establishments to be used as official quarantine sites.
Among these are Umhlanga Sands and Cabana Beach in Umhlanga, and The Palace All-Suite and The Royal Hotel in central Durban.
KZN resort owners said they expected to see a rise in summer staycations this year, as cautious holidaymakers turn their backs on foreign trips and look closer to home for post-lockdown retreats.
“There is also the understanding that the public has also been economically affected by the lockdown. Hence, there will be post-lockdown bargains galore,” the manager of a Durban block of holiday apartments told TKZN.
