Development Update
Developing and supporting sustainable tourism initiatives and upskilling local communities remains the best way to grow our tourism economy, extending it into the rural areas. This quarter, we have undertaken several projects to bring our youth and rural communities into mainstream tourism.
1. New Tourism Packages
We continue to work with local stakeholders to uncover hidden gems and develop new routes that offer tourists unique KZN South Coast experiences. This vibrant and diverse KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience, set to be launched in March, will include hikes, river crossings, waterfall experience and birding.
2. SMME Development and Support
Art and Craft Exhibition at Southcoast Mall
We partnered with the KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture to organise two exhibitions for KZN South Coast crafters. This included a showcase at Southcoast Mall on 22 and 23 September 2023 where mall management provided a space, tables, and chairs at no cost in support of local, disadvantaged communities. Then, from 28 September to 1 October 2023, crafters exhibited at the Margate Beachfront Amphitheatre.
Umdoni Experience
On 12 December 2023, we organised a Fam Trip for the newly trained Umdoni tourist guides and tour operators. This was an opportunity to show them the local tourism products around Umdoni which can be included in tour packages.
KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails
We organised an on-the-job skills development session for two KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trail operators at the Pont Holiday and Water Sports Resort in Port Edward on 13 and 14 December 2023. Pont management kindly offered the training in support of local SMEs, at no charge. Although the training was largely theoretical, there was a chance to interact with guests. Topics covered included online booking, email queries, payment processing, filing, dealing with complaints and social behaviour, as well as establishing good customer relations.
3. Youth Development and Support
Esayidi TVET College In-service Training
We assisted the Esayidi TVET College in placing 8 interns at various tourism establishments for 18 months, affording them practical experience that will increase their options for employment. Funded by the National Skills Fund, the programme started on 1 November 2023.
Youth Training Programmes
We are facilitating three other youth programmes with stakeholders. These include:
- Hospitality Youth Training Programme
- Food Safety Assurance Programme
- Tourism Graduates Development Programme
4. Community Awareness
Tourism Safety Awareness Campaign for the 2023 Festive Season
Alongside other stakeholders, we participated in the Tourism Safety Awareness Campaign which was hosted by TKZN at Margate Beach Amphitheatre on 25 November 2023. This campaign allowed for direct engagement with the public. This is an ongoing campaign, the objectives of which include:
- Developing an understanding of key tourism terms and the importance of tourism for KZN.
- Raising the level of awareness about KZN as a must-visit tourist destination.
- Encouraging communities to be tourism ambassadors of their local destinations.
- Increasing awareness about facilities and services to meet the tourists’ needs and expectations.
- Improving communication skills.