Find government COVID 19 information at https://sacoronavirus.co.za
Home
FacebookTwitterSearchMenu
  • Subscribe (free)
  • Subscribe (free)
  • News
  • Features
  • TravelInfo
  • Columns
  • Community
  • Sponsored
  • Contact Us
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Send Us News

Share

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • E-mail
  • Print

Surviving three storms – KZN rebuilds

10 May 2022 - by Adele Mackenzie
Comments | 0

The City of eThekwini (Durban) and the province of KwaZulu Natal survived three violent tempests these past two years: COVID-19, violent protests in July 2021 and devastating floods.  

But that is not the story, according to key players in the tourism sector. The real story is one of survival through collaboration. As Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu Natal (TKZN), Phindile Makwakwa explained: “We saw with COVID-19 how industry fully realised the need for collaboration, how it was the only way we would survive. Then the unrest saw everyone in the province - and indeed South Africa as a whole –  from the tourism industry, logistics sector, communities etc come together and clean up, assist one another and rebuild.” 

She told Tourism News it was the same thing with the floods. “The floods came at a really bad time – just ahead of Easter – but again, the private sector, communities and governments rallied to address infrastructural challenges (such as damage to roads and bridges) and to clear the port and the beaches of debris. 

Makwakwa added that thankfully tourism products themselves (attractions, accommodation etc) were not damaged. “Mainly the roads to the products were damaged and those were fixed quickly.” 

She also noted that, despite the flooding, the province still enjoyed an average occupancy of 50% over the Easter period. 

City of eThekwini Councillor and Chairperson of the Governance and Human Capital Portfolio Committee, Nkonsenhle Madlala, agreed, saying: “We witnessed major solidarity in the tourism sector where all hands were on deck to ensure that our city emerged victorious from these disasters.   

“Our major attractions in the various tourism precincts are now functional and accessible.  Visitors can still enjoy the different activities such as adventure, culinary tourism, culture, history, nature and many other offerings.”  

Counting the cost of the floods 

Madlala pointed out that before the floods the city had forecast a boom - 140 000 expected visitors, R157 million (€8,4m) direct spend, a R387 million (€20,8m) contribution to the city’s GDP and 796 jobs. 

However, due to the floods, the visitor numbers were 85 000, with a spend of R105 million (€5,6m), a contribution to the city’s GDP of R258 million (€14,8m) and jobs of around 530.  

“Despite the magnitude of the challenges caused by floods, we are pleased that we have been able to restore services in a number of areas in the city,” Madlala said.

Acsa wants more int’l routes

Today 01:50
Comments | 0

France mulls bringing back COVID regs

Today 01:40
Comments | 0

Maldives comes to Joburg

Today 01:30
Comments | 0

Barcelona addresses tourism conduct

Today 01:20
Comments | 0

Hotel group celebrates five-year milestone

Today 01:10
Comments | 0

Shanghai reopens for tourism

Today 01:05
Comments | 0

Latest Changes on Travelinfo (06 Jul'22)

Today 01:00
Comments | 0

CPT to MRU direct!

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Hooray! We have a prize-winner!

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Strikes add to airport chaos

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Stellenbosch aims to be ‘business destination of choice’

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Portugal COVID entry regs fall

Yesterday
Comments | 0

Heathrow hits back at CAA

Yesterday
Comments | 0
  • Load more

FeatureClick to view

Africa Feature July 2022
  • © Now Media
  • Privacy Policy
  • Travel News on Facebook
  • eTNW Twitter
  • Travel News RSS
  • Contact Us
  • About Us
  • Advertise
  • Send Us News