Tourism has long been a major driver of the KZN South Coast economy, with the region’s natural assets – from Blue Flag beaches and world-class dive sites to nature reserves and gorges – making this a prime holiday destination. However, massive potential still remains within this region’s tourism economy, with South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) investigating ways this can be unlocked.
The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) estimates that tourism contributes 8.8% to GDP, supporting 1.68 million jobs nationally. Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE, said the hospitality sector remains a key growth area, with investors and the local economy set to benefit.
“The KZN South Coast has a range of natural assets that make it a key tourism destination, and we are constantly seeking ways to increase investment in this sector,” said Dr Sibiya. “We’re home to a number of world-class tourism establishments that can offer insight into how best to grow the tourism economy. One such example is the local hospitality group, ANEW Hotels & Resorts, owners of the ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest in Harding. They’ve offered their input on key ways to further stimulate this sector.”
Corné Alberts, Group Marketing Manager at ANEW Hotels & Resorts, said that KwaZulu-Natal – and particularly regions like the KZN South Coast – are major drivers of the tourism economy.
“South Africa is such an impressive country from a tourism perspective, offering visitors unmatched natural beauty, top-class retail and hospitality options, and a unique experience, all at a comparatively affordable rate. We see regions like the KZN South Coast as brimming with possibility, it’s simply a matter of better positioning these areas to attract investment and grow the tourism economy.”
4 Impactful Ways to Attract Investment
Alberts says they’ve noted some of the best ways, assessing international examples, to effectively grow tourism investment in a sustainable manner.
1. Infrastructure reinvestment
“Expanding tourism growth into rural areas, such as the KZN South Coast’s hinterland, is vital for creating a more inclusive tourism economy that not only benefits local communities, but gives visitors a more authentic, comprehensive local experience,” she said. “This requires reinvestment in local infrastructure and tourism services in these underdeveloped regions. Unreliable transport systems and poor road maintenance continue to hinder tourism growth, as seen in rural areas nationwide.”
2. Driving sustainable tourism
Secondly, Alberts says focusing on sustainable tourism – an internationally growing trend – is the best way to attract investment: “This can be supporting eco-friendly initiatives, cultural heritage programmes, and skills development to maximise job creation and ensure long-term benefits for local communities.”
Examples of where this has worked well on the KZN South Coast are the South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise’s (SCTIE) initiatives, among them:
· The KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience | KwaNzimakwe Experience
· Weza Hiking Trail | Umzumbe River Trails
· KwaXolo Caves Adventures | NPS Adventures
· The Mission Tourism Route | The Agri Tourism Route
· The Gamalakhe Township Experience | Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre
3. Collaborative efforts
Another key area is the establishment of public-private partnerships, such as the Tidy Towns initiatives that are cleaning up, maintaining, and protecting the KZN South Coast’s assets by aligning government and private investor efforts. Likewise, the work being done by SCTIE to upskill and connect local suppliers to willing buyers, building the local supply chain.
“From ANEW Hotels & Resorts’ side, we focus on featuring local products, such as our own house wines made in collaboration with Van Loveren,” explains Alberts. “This initiative supports regional businesses while offering travellers an authentic taste of the area. The collaboration with Van Loveren, known for its award-winning wines, presents an opportunity to showcase South African viticulture within the hospitality sector, enriching guest experiences and strengthening ties between tourism and the local agricultural economy.”
4. Targeting emerging markets
Finally, Alberts says that South Africa needs to remain competitive against destinations like Kenya and Morocco, by enhancing its tourism marketing strategy: “Increased funding for marketing can attract high-value travellers from emerging markets such as China, India, and the Middle East.”
Dr Sibiya, agreed, adding: “Through SCTIE’s many initiatives, we’re strengthening regional travel, encouraging infrastructure development, and facilitating strategic investment to further solidify KZN South Coast as a leading domestic travel destination.”
Now’s the Time: Visit, Invest, Thrive in KZN South Coast!
Find out more about these and other investment opportunities by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To purchase goods sold or secure services from these and other Buy Local businesses, visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or to join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form.
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