The province of KwaZulu-Natal says it is ready for holidaymakers who have started descending on the coastal province from across the country and neighbouring states.
On Friday, the provincial Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and its various social partners hosted activities to receive visitors at different entry points in the province.
This was part of the Zulu Kingdom’s Festive Season Welcome campaign.
The campaign includes providing holidaymakers with information on the province’s diverse tourist attractions, events, sightseeing and a plethora of other recreational activities.
MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Sihle Zikalala, said he is optimistic that the festive season will have a positive impact on the economy, particularly the hospitality and recreational sector.
“The holidaymakers we interacted with were all looking forward to exploring some of our many tourism offerings.
“We have no doubt that we will get more than 600 000 domestic visitors that could translate to around R1.253 billion in tourism receipts into our province’s economy.
“On the international tourist front, we are also expecting good numbers this year, which could be in the region of 138 000 visitors with total average spend of R773 a day to add another R1.06 billion to the economy of KwaZulu-Natal,” MEC Zikalala said.
This would be an improvement from the 2016 performance, where the province recorded about R1.214 billion from domestic tourists.
Acting Chief Executive Officer for Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Phindile Makwakwa, said the number of people who visit KwaZulu-Natal during the festive season continues to grow each year because the province offers a wide choice of tourist attractions.
Tourist were also attracted to the province because of the good customer service and general friendly reception by the province’s residents.
“We urge holidaymakers to use registered tourism accommodation establishments to ensure value for their money. Do not hesitate to visit our information offices, where one of our friendly staff members would be able to respond to your queries,” Makwakwa said.
For more information, visitors can visit zulu.org.za and they can follow the organisation on social media for updates on the festive season events. – SAnews.gov.za
