THE joining of forces of a number of tourism authorities within the greater Richard's Bay area will streamline marketing, establish greater co-operation between the towns and considerably boost the tourism trade in the area.
This is the opinion of Errard Sullivan, Chairman of the Richard's Bay Tourism Association (RBTA) who is advocating the amalgamation of the Zululand Tour Operators Association, the Greater Empangeni Marketing Initiative and the Esikhawini Tourism Association with the RBTA.
He says the RBTA held a meeting last week in which it was decided that it would join forces with the other bodies to market the area collectively in order to pool strengths and weaknesses within the organisations and make the tourism area a "force to be reckoned with."
A meeting will be held today between all organisations to determine how the resources can be utilised for maximum efficiency.
Esikhawini Tourism Association (ETA) chairman, Mnoqobi Gabela told Travel Now that this historic town's strength lies in cultural tourism, having once been the site for Zulu King Cetshwayo's family farm. The town also still boasts current King Goodwill Zwelithini's boyhood home.
"Our future plans include the establishment of a permanent tourism association and the building of an information and tourism office in the town." says Gabela.
According to him, the ETA has applied to Esikhawini's Local Authority for funds to establish the office.
"We expect that a decision regarding this will be made soon."
Local businesses in the area have agreed to supply office equipment, furniture and paper, amongst other things, to help get the office started up.
"They realise the potential tourism has for economic growth in the area and want to show their commitment to the growth of the industry."
He says that since the area has become increasingly popular, especially with international tourists wanting more of the "real cultural" experience, long-term plans will eventually include the establishment of a number of guest houses in the area, to boost Esikhawini's current five accommodation facilities.
(Adele Mackenzie)
