COVER STORY: DURBAN KWAZULU-NATAL CONVENTION BUREAU

KwaZulu-Natal remains a top business events destination.

A multi-cultural showpiece global destination, the Zulu Kingdom, or the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a resounding track record when it comes to hosting top local and international events. The province is right up there on the “must-see, must-do” lists of discerning travellers around the world.

KZN remains a firm leader in the South African business events space. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a unique fusion of raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy – all in the most breath-taking natural setting.

With a wealth of conference and events facilities set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, sun-kissed beaches or bush retreats, it is no wonder that KZN has made significant gains in the business events market. The Zulu kingdom is aggressively and proactively pursuing the business events market in an effort to bring about tourism growth and socioeconomic development in the province.

The decision to establish the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau as a focused agency, which is part of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and supported by the eThekwini Municipality has shown important dividends.

The support and commitment of the private and public sectors in this province has enabled this entity, in close collaboration with a range of partners, to secure the right to host significant business events since this entity began its initial operations some eleven years ago.

Sonto Mayise, acting chief convention bureau, Durban KZN Convention Bureau.

Sonto Mayise, acting chief convention bureau officer, Durban KZN Convention Bureau, said: “KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau continues to act as a pioneer in attracting international, regional and domestic events to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, as our mandate is to be a catalyst for economic development and job creation in the province as well as to elevate the profile of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as a preferred MICE destination. The convention bureau is committed to recovery for our industry and the provincial economy. We know that the business events industry will lead the way towards global economic recovery in the near future.

“As Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, we understand that it has been a very difficult period for the business events sector as you are aware that it has been one of the sectors that have been severely affected by Covid-19 and continues to be affected. But, now with the vaccination drive gaining momentum, it is the time to get back to business.

We have been busy preparing for the safe return and hosting of our visitors/ delegates, and the team at the convention bureau has been working so hard with our partners – from both government and private sector – to prepare our destination for the safe return of our delegates and friends to Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.

“The business events industry is evolving for a number of reasons. Along with adapting to the new demands imposed by Covid-19, the global workforce is undergoing a transition all of its own. Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau is committed to recovery for our industry and the provincial economy. We know that the business events industry will lead the way towards global economic recovery in the near future.

“We will recover… while we cannot predict exactly what will happen, we do know that this difficult time will eventually pass. We will celebrate our successes and rebuild our industry again, one step at a time. Covid-19 has taught us that we are more resilient than we initially thought. However, maintaining your mental wellbeing is most essential; if that means seeing a therapist, so be it… there is no shame in that. It is okay to show vulnerability because you cannot do it all by yourself.

“A new pulse of a dream. We warmly welcome you to the Zulu kingdom… we are ready to host you once more. #rebuildingtogether,” she concluded.

The word Zulu literally means ‘people of heaven’, and this is the word that is known throughout the world. We use this word to make potential tourists aware of the many heavenly attractions of our province and why Durban and KwaZulu-Natal are an ideal meeting venue for conventions, smaller meetings and incentives offerings. With its rich diversity of cultures and eleven official languages, the province is truly a happy one! This is reflected in some fantastic Zulu dances coupled with amazing musical abilities, showcased throughout the province at any tourist venue. The Zulu language – called isiZulu – is widely spoken in KwaZulu-Natal and is understood by most people, even if it is only the basic “Sawubona!” greeting of “Hello!”.

The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau is mandated to promote business events services in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and the metropolitan area of Durban. The Zulu Kingdom, through the Durban KZN Convention Bureau, provides a hub for business events to bring about tourism growth and socio-economic development. Across the province, a host of conference and events facilities are set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, sun kissed beaches or bush retreats and it is a home to two world heritage sites.

Kwa-Zulu Natal has many delightful attractions in eight districts that every business traveller would wish to experience: Battlefields, Drakensburg, Durban, Elephant Coast, Pietermaritzburg and Midlands, North Coast, South Coast and Zululand. These regions have unique experience-driven offerings for incentive tours.

Durban Kwa-Zulu Natal Convention Bureau assists with the following:

• Bid documents

• Bid presentations

• Assistance with congress bids

• Convention publicity and delegate boosting

• Destination display and promotion

• Information kits and welcome packs for delegates

• Shuttle services

• Identification of professional conference organiser (PCO) services.

• Promotional materials

• Educational trips and site inspections

• Supplier information and quotations

• Social programmes

• Pre and post tours and incentive packages

For further information:

29 Signal Road, Point, Durban, 4001.

Email: khayelihle@zulu.org.za

Tel: 031 366 7580

Website: www.zulu.org.za