Marketing Update
We are leading the way as a destination where you can Unlock More: more adventure, more escapes, and more unforgettable experiences. Building on our Q1 messaging, Spring Escape to Paradise, we continue to showcase the region’s unmatched natural beauty and thrilling activities. With the highest number of Blue Flag beaches, exciting infrastructure upgrades, and initiatives like Keep Scottburgh Beautiful and Tidy Towns, the KZN South Coast is thriving.
Buy Local Campaign
Our Buy Local campaign continues to champion KZN South Coast SMEs by promoting homegrown enterprises and showcasing their products and services across key platforms. You can explore the growing network of businesses in our online directory on our SCTIE website. To place an order with a member or to become part of the campaign, simply visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or complete the Buy Local membership form online.
Tourism Awareness Campaign
Throughout Tourism Month, we encouraged our local tourism businesses, accommodation providers, tour operators, restaurants, and retailers to get visitor-ready and showcase the very best of the KZN South Coast. Locals are reminded they are the region’s ambassadors and this requires making all our visitors feel welcome.
With great beaches, diving, golf, hiking, cultural tours, markets, and nature escapes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. By creating seasonal packages and highlighting unique offerings, businesses can help increase visitor numbers, boost bed nights, and grow spend across the region.
Trade Shows
As part of our mandate to maximise tourism exposure and support product development, we actively participate in leading trade shows, conferences, and roadshows. These platforms allow us to promote the KZN South Coast as both a premier tourism destination and an attractive hub for investment, while also engaging stakeholders to develop new products and packages that drive growth across the region.
Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) 2025
Dates: 27 to 29 August 2025
Venue: Richards Bay, City of uMhlathuze, KwaZulu-Natal
TIFA 2025 brought together continental leaders, investors, government stakeholders, and destination management professionals to explore sustainable growth and investment across sectors supporting business travel and the tourism economy.
We participated as both delegates and exhibitors, leveraging this platform to:
- Promote our flagship projects to a targeted audience of international and domestic investors.
- Position the KZN South Coast as a competitive investment destination within South Africa and the broader African tourism economy.
KZN Economic Council | Ugu District Social Compact Roadshow
Date: 12 September 2025
Venue: UGU Sports and Leisure Centre
Led by KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs, Musa Zondi, this roadshow brings together government, labour, business, and civil society to sign a transformative social compact. The initiative aligns with the Provincial Reconstruction and Transformation Plan, aimed at revitalising the provincial economy and strengthening collaboration across sectors.
Fam Trips
We host familiarisation (fam) trips to give media, industry partners, and stakeholders first-hand experiences of the KZN South Coast’s diverse tourism offerings. These trips are a powerful tool for promoting the region’s unique assets, strengthening partnerships, and developing new tourism products and packages.
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism & Film Authority Educational Fam Trip
Dates: 15 to 19 July 2025
We hosted an educational fam trip for the KZN Tourism & Film Authority’s information officers, providing in-depth exposure to the region’s wide range of tourism products and experiences.
Objectives:
- Deepen product knowledge among frontline tourism professionals.
- Strengthen promotion of the KZN South Coast as a must-visit destination.
- Enhance collaboration between provincial and local tourism structures.
Media Hosting: Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival
Dates: 26 July 2025
Venue: St Michael’s Beach
As part of the inaugural Coastal Flavours Seafood Festival, we hosted representatives from 1 KZN TV and South Coast Herald to capture and promote the event. The festival successfully positioned seafood tourism as a unique offering, while demonstrating the family-friendly experiences and ocean-based adventures available along the KZN South Coast.
Objectives:
- Achieve media exposure and extensive digital engagement.
- Highlight the region’s rich fishing traditions, cultural heritage, and culinary talent.
- Showcase seafood tourism as a new product stream for the South Coast.
Site Visits: KZN South Coast Conference Facilities
Dates: 28 to 29 July 2025
In collaboration with the Durban-KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, we hosted site inspections of key business tourism venues, including Blue Marlin Hotel, Premier Resort Cutty Sark Hotel, Selborne Park Golf Estate Hotel & Spa, Pumula Beach Hotel, Umthunzi Hotel & Conference, San Lameer Resort Hotel & Spa, and The Estuary Country Hotel.
The KZN South Coast was positioned as a competitive meetings and events destination, with the added advantages of accessibility, affordability, stunning natural surroundings, and a wide variety of leisure activities.
Objectives:
- Collaborate with the Convention Bureau to attract and host business events.
- Showcase the KZN South Coast as an ideal destination for conferences and corporate retreats.
- Promote the region’s affordable and diverse meeting facilities.
Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Prestige Awards Media Fam Trip
Dates: 22 August 2025
We hosted award-winners from the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality Prestige Awards at Lake Eland Game Reserve, which forms part of the Great Drives Out route in Oribi Gorge. Supported by Halfway Toyota Shelly Beach and Haval Shelly Beach, the trip included sponsored vehicles for the winners.
Objectives:
- Celebrate and recognise local excellence.
- Provide first-hand experiences of the region’s hinterland attractions.
- Build pride and awareness among local ambassadors.
