Tourism Networking
We continue to maximise our region’s many tourism assets and latest experiences through in-person trade shows and exhibitions.
Mall Activations
We had a mall activation at Shelly Centre Mall on 8 November to market the Chilla Nathi Festival which welcomed many supporters on 30 November at St Michael’s Beach.
Trade & Media Familiarisation Trips
One of the best ways to showcase our incredible tourism assets and packages to the media, tour operators, and other stakeholders is by hosting fam trips. This quarter, we gave these tourism stakeholders an immersive experience at several KZN South Coast destinations.
South African Tourism (SAT) Tour Operator’s Fam Trip
From 17 to 20 September, we hosted representatives from SAT and the Southern Africa Tourism Services Association (SATSA) and tour operators from Mpumalanga, North West, Gauteng and the Western Cape. They explored various KZN South Coast sites and enjoyed a speed marketing session at Pumula Beach Hotel where they engaged with our tourism product owners to create tour packages.
KZN South Coast Marathon Media Fam Trip
On 29 September 2024, the South Coast Marathon got underway from 6am with an incredible turnout. This event was hosted by South Coast Striders and Ray Nkonyeni Municipality, with South Coast Herald in attendance, while we assisted with marketing exposure.
World Tourism Day Celebration Media Fam Trip
On 27 September 2024, we celebrated World Tourism Day by inviting stakeholders to the successful Hibberdene Beach Clean-up which was attended by 1 KZN TV and South Coast Fever.
Blue Marlin All-inclusive Seascape Media Fam Trip
On 3 October 2024, it was the launch of Dream Hotels’ newly revamped Blue Marlin Hotel on the KZN South Coast, with tour operators, social media influencers and other stakeholders in attendance.
South Coast Summer Season Media Fam Trip
From 15 to 16 November 2024, the KZN Tourism and Film Authority launched the summer season at Ramsgate Beach on the KZN South Coast with the MEC of Economic Development and Tourism Affairs and various media houses in attendance.
Summer Event Guide
With our many Blue Flag beaches attracting visitors to our shores, we have some great summer season events lined up. These have been uploaded onto our Events page, and shared with media and online. These extend from Christmas markets and shows to our popular Love Summer beach programme which is running from 14 December 2024 to 12 January 2025. The programme, which is free for all, involves numerous beachside sports, competitions and fun activities for holidaymakers of all ages. Read more HERE.
SAT Speed Marketing
The KZN South Coast continues to shine as a premier destination for business and leisure, with local product owners recently engaging national buyers at the South African Tourism (SAT) Speed Marketing Session held at Pumula Beach Hotel on 18 September 2024. This event provided an excellent platform for local tourism and hospitality businesses to showcase their offerings, creating valuable networking opportunities and fostering growth for both the region and individual businesses.
The four-day programme saw national buyers visit key attractions that highlight the region’s unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure. This experiential approach gave buyers first-hand insight into what makes the KZN South Coast an ideal destination for tourists, encouraging long-term partnerships that will drive future tourism. Local businesses also got the chance to market their products to influential buyers in the tourism industry, presenting offerings from accommodation and adventure activities and cultural experiences.
Summer Launch & Activation
The Magical Zulu Kingdom Summertime 2024 launch in November aimed to enhance international and domestic travel, highlighting that tourism opportunities are accessible to all South Africans. Welcoming Reverend Musa Zondi, MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, as the keynote speaker, The KZN South Coast played host to the event which encouraged KZN citizens to explore the beauty of their local environment and promote the value of intra-travel.
