WHILE Zululand has all the major attractions which would appeal to international tourists, it lacks the necessary facilities to accommodate vast numbers of visitors.
This statement came from Consul General of the United States, Craig Kuehl , during a recent visit to Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal (KZN), when he and other US representatives visited the area to explore investment opportunities and to investigate a proposed dry dock facility for the town's harbour.
In a hard-hitting statement, he praised local tourism authorities for "their passion and commitment" but said they were "naive" in their outlook in attracting tourists to the region.
Richards Bay Tourism Association chairman, Errard Sullivan, countered the accusation by saying that - as far as the accommodation segment is concerned - he believes that facilities do exist, as growth has "almost tripled" over the last seven years.
Kuehl said it was necessary to look at mass tourism - "wholesale vs retail tourism" as he termed it - and suggested that US tour operators should be encouraged to visit the region in an attempt to get them to adopt KZN as a major international destination.
"As far as mass tourism is concerned, I do have to say that we really don't cater for it in South Africa, except at a few of the larger centres," said Sullivan.
He said that the region would be able to adapt, should the need arise, but that there were factors to consider.
"This region is very seasonal and there are few people who would take the risk to invest in increasing their facilities and run them at a loss for half the year."
He says the region would welcome any attempt to encourage US investment and tourism, but added that South African Tourism needed to be pro-active and work with the Richards Bay Empangeni Spatial Development Initiative (SDI), under the leadership of Dr Syd Kelly, in this regard.
"I do, however, know that the SDI is embarking on an extensive website marketing campaign to the US market."
(Adele Mackenzie)
