Marketing Update
This quarter, we are promoting the KZN South Coast’s brand as an untapped beach, adventure, and heritage destination with unlimited potential to be uncovered. Through in-person trade shows, digital marketing, advertising, dedicated press releases, and media engagements we’ve kept the KZN South Coast in the positive media spotlight.
Marketing Campaigns
1. #buylocal Campaign
Following the launch of the #buylocal campaign earlier this year, we have welcomed several local businesses to our Buy Local Membership, which is free until June 2025. The campaign is inspired by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition’s Buy Back SA initiative which encourages support for local businesses to create a resilient economy with far-reaching social, environmental, and health benefits. If you haven’t already signed up, we encourage you to do so and enjoy the many benefits including marketing exposure, business support, networking, and member credibility. To find out more or sign up as a Buy Local member contact Londiwe@sctie.co.za on 039 682 7944.
2. #greatestshoalonearth Campaign
The cooler winter months bring with them one of our biggest tourist attractions, the Sardine Run. We have maximised our marketing exposure on this front through our #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #sardinerun2023 #seakznsouthcoast campaign that highlights our Blue Flag beaches, dive sites, and many seaside tourism offerings.
3. #extendyourstay Campaign
We are continuing to share our member specials on our social media platforms and destination website, including off-peak deals and early bird specials through our #extendyourstay campaign. Visitors who come for the Sardine Run, Easter holidays, long weekends, or more are encouraged to stay longer and experience all we have to offer on the KZN South Coast.
Media Fam Trips
With Africa’s Travel Indaba hosted in KZN, we were fortunate to host several delegates and international media at our many key tourism sites. Fam Trips are an important marketing tool to provide media and tourism stakeholders with a first-hand experience of what we have on offer, while creating valuable connections in a relaxed setting. Following each Fam Trip, guests are supplied with press releases, high-resolution images, and other relevant marketing collateral to maximise exposure.
Seat at the Table Fam Trip
From 24 to 26 March, we hosted influencers from South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria for a real KZN South Coast adventure. Organised by South African Tourism Sho’t Left, visitors got to experience the activities at Wild5Adventures including quad biking, the Wild Gorge Swing, and ziplining. They also participated in water sports at Wild Coast Sun Beach Resort, including a riverside boat cruise followed by the main event; the Sunday Seat at the Table with Live performances by well-known musicians.
Woz’Obona and BET Fam Trip
On 26 April, we hosted BET Africa Nomalanga Shozi and Woz’Obona Media who will be creating a tourism package to host two events in the KZN South Coast in June and September. These will sell the destination and its offerings including retail, adventure activities, and chill spots. Sites visited included Shelly Centre, and Oribi Gorge for adventure at Lake Eland Game Reserve and Wild5 Adventures.
Pre-Africa’s Travel Indaba Fam Trip
On 7 May, we hosted India Trade alongside South African Tourism and Tourism KZN for a seaside experience. The Indian tour operators started with an ocean safari including Shark Cage Diving KZN and Wild5 Adventures, with some downtime at Fish on the River at Spillers Wharf.
Trade Exhibitions and Conferences
World Travel Market (WTM) Africa
For the first time, we were able to exhibit at WTM Africa which was hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 3 to 5 May. Our branded stand, and strategic meetings with media, inbound and outbound tour operators, and professional conference organisers allowed us to engage new markets. We also took the opportunity to network with other exhibitors, and were pleased that many tour operators were interested in exploring and packaging the KZN South Coast, with many requests for Fam Trips.
SATSA Conference
On 6 and 7 May we attended the conference as SATSA members with a focus on Partnerships for Action. Panel discussions included ‘An International Perspective: Australia and New Zealand’ looking at insights into tourism; ‘Thought Leaders Industry Insight’ exploring trends in inbound tourism; ‘Air Access’ discussing an air access strategy that unlocks the country’s tourism potential; as well as ‘Partnerships in Action’ to establish destination partnerships.
Africa’s Travel Indaba
From 8 to 11 May, we attended this impactful trade show at the Durban ICC where we showcased our quality outdoor offerings. We also made the most of this opportunity to network, creating valuable contacts for future tourism packaging options. With KZN hosting the event, we also took the opportunity to welcome visiting delegates and media for a Fam Trip to some of our key tourism attractions.
