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KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has expressed his appreciation on behalf of the people of KwaZulu-Natal to the President of President of the Republic of South Africa His Excellency Mr J.G Zuma and the entire national cabinet.  This after Zuma announced at the opening of Tourism Indaba at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre that KZN will host Tourism Indaba over the next five years.

Mchunu pointed out with excitement: “We thank you for all your support in hosting this important very important Tourism Indaba over the past years. I am sure that we will all appreciate the fact that the art of marketing is rapidly becoming complex with the advent of information technology allowing broader reach of potential tourists across the world through internet, e-mails and satellite broadcast.”

“While acknowledging the significance of the "information highway" in the growth of tourism, some conventional marketing instruments such as exhibitions are still relevant today than ever before.”

He further quipped: “The concept of Expo, Exhibitions and Trade Fairs will continue to be an integral part of the provincial government marketing strategy. These are most interactive platforms of communicating to the target audience and to consumers of our tourism products.”

“Importantly, this personal and human interaction helps reduce the levels of doubts about each other’s tourism packages - confirming the old adage of "seeing is believing". As the provincial government we will continue to work with the national government and industry stakeholders in order to grow the tourism industry.”

“In KwaZulu-Natal for instance, our tourism contribution to GDRP is standing at around R30 billion - about 10% of the provincial economy. The Province currently attracts about 1.3 million foreign visitors and 13.9 million domestic tourism trips on an annual basis.  Thousands of local and international visitors flock to the city of Durban each year, as it is known for its warm climate and exciting beaches.”

“Along the Kwa-Zulu Natal coast, visitors find breathtaking beaches and secluded bays to enjoy the summer sun or escape the noise of the city. The Kingdom of the Zulu is not to be seen – you have to feel it. It boasts two World Heritage Sites, game parks and vast land with breath-taking landscape. Beautiful weather and the abundance of fauna and flora is what attract domestic and international tourists.”

“The trip to Northern parts of the province will give delegates the unique opportunity to climb the valleys and hills overlooking many rivers that run ceaselessly day and night. UThukela and Umfolozi rivers have nurtured the nation and continue to be a source of inspiration for this Rainbow nation.”
“By and large, we have undertaken various projects to ensure that we position this province as a tourism and economic destination of choice always ready to host sports lovers, business tourists and all other categories of visitors.”

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu has urged international delegates attending Tourism Indaba to register for the Mandela Marathon scheduled to take place on the on the 27th August 2017.  Speaking at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, he indicated that entries for this year’s race are open and will close at midnight on the 31st July.

The province is expecting 15 000 to take part and the main prize for the main race of 42km will be R100 000, R20 000 for the 21km race and R10 000 for the 10km race

He pointed out: “The Mandela Marathon is not only about running but it is aimed at mobilizing society to preserve the legacy of Tata Mandela.”

“After attaining democracy, President Nelson Mandela used sports to unite our people. Tata Madiba healed our wounds and established the rainbow nation very firmly. He set us on the path of nation building and prosperity and made us a respected member of the world community of nations.

“He taught us that all South Africans have equal claim to this country, and that there can be no lasting peace unless all of us, black and white, learned to live together in harmony and peace.”

Encouraging delegates to explore this province, Mchunu explained: “Host to some of the bigger surfing championships, Kwa-Zulu Natal is a hub for water sports and a variety of thrilling activities such as Amashovashova – the Cycle Race and Comrades Marathon.”

Issued by KZN Office of The Premier