IOL Travel - September 2021 - South African Escapes

Page 6

KZN has it all

MEC MESSAGE - TOURISM MONTH September is celebrated as Tourism Month across the world and the theme for this year is: “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”. As per the theme, this year we are celebrating tourism’s ability to drive inclusive development and the role it plays in promoting respect while

being one in which we celebrate our diverse

spirit of the people of Africa’s most sought-

heritage. KZN is a South African jewel,

after tourist destination.

rich with culture, beautiful landscapes, and attractions. Visitors can immerse themselves in KZN’s diverse culture and heritage by visiting local museums, cultural villages, and historic sites. All our establishments and tourist sites have been modified to meet the current COVID-19 regulations.

generating economic opportunities for

This tourism month will also see plans for the relaunch of the second phase of the R20 million tourism relief fund gain momentum. The fund - a much needed injection for KZN’s tourism economy which has been dealt a devastating blow by the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and worsened by the

MR RAVI PILLAY

millions across the country. It is an apt and

Together with our stakeholders and members

recent unrest - will aid distressed businesses

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs

fitting theme as we work towards renewing

of the tourism trade, we have gone the extra

and operators thus making sure that as many

and revitalising a tourism sector that has

mile in ensuring that we provide visitors with

businesses as possible receive support.

been affected by the Coronavirus pandemic

value for money packages and specials that

which has had massive social and economic

will help them spend within their budget as we

impact.

understand that the majority of consumers are also in financial recovery mode and will

We know that tourism is a powerful lever that can alleviate poverty through growing and transforming our economy for the upliftment

be watching their spend very closely. More information on these can be found on www. zulu.org.za

The tourism relief fund is a joint initiative by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal. Important dates and criteria will be announced in due course.

of communities. As we kick off Tourism month, we want to highlight and extend a

We are also working closely with South

warm invitation to our regular visitors and

African Tourism to roll out the South Africa

encourage new explorers to our exceptional

Travel week that will see holidaymakers

Zulu Kingdom. We want to assure our visitors

receiving up to 50% discounts on their next

that we are resolute in our endeavours

holiday package.

to contain the spread of the coronavirus and have taken extraordinary measures to ensure that COVID-19 safety and health protocols are adhered to at all our popular establishments and sought-after tourism products.

look to the future with hope and excitement, we want to pledge and make sure nobody is left behind, that this tourism month fosters awareness of tourism’s social, cultural and economic value and the contribution that the

The Zulu Kingdom will come alive with a

sector can make towards reaching sustainable

marketing campaign that will showcase

development goals.

the province’s beautiful destinations and attractions in their full glory. That will boldly tell the story of our provinces’ rich heritage and history as well as exciting experiences. It

This month also holds the significance of

As the world begins to open up and as we

will exude the warm, adventurous and resilient

KZN Is Open for Travel. KZN Has it all. Believe It. “Tourism for Inclusive Growth”


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