PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
12 September 2022
Unlimited tourism opportunities to celebrate on the KZN South Coast this Tourism Month
With the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, two world-renowned dive sites, iconic gorges, waterfalls and international-standard golf courses, it’s no surprise there’s a lot to celebrate this Tourism Month on the KZN South Coast. The hinterland, in particular, remains an area of significant potential for investment, with the success of existing tourism offerings a great example of this potential.
“In line with the theme, we’re ‘Rethinking Tourism’ by developing unique experiences that grow the tourism economy. Rural tourism development not only extends the economical footprint of this sector, but it also unlocks some truly incredible investment opportunities in terms of outdoor, adventure tourism products,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “This Tourism Month, we want to highlight one such offering, the Umzumbe River Trail, as an example of what can be achieved when we invest in rural tourism.”
Launched in May 2022, Umzumbe River Trail connects the lush hinterland with the popular coastline through the 70km Green Flag Trail. Led by trained trail guides starting at Mhlabatshane Dam, visitors are given the option of walking, hiking, trail running, biking, or horse riding along six trails that are connected via Zulu homesteads. Overnight stays are provided, with guests given the chance to experience the traditional Zulu lifestyle found along the banks of the Umzumbe and Mhlabatshane rivers.
As Mangcu explained: “There are more than 1 000 registered hiking trails across South Africa’s nine provinces that offer an immersive experience for tourists. These remain popular with local and international travellers as they combine outdoor adventure with cultural enlightenment. The development of the Umzumbe River Trail is just one example of such tourism investments that are already reaping rewards.”
Khanya Tuntulwana, Director of Odumo Projects and Route Liaison Officer of the Umzumbe River Trail, said the visitor response has been enthusiastic: “We’ve taken a few groups on the trail which is a beautiful open space with fantastic views of the dam as you set off. Our guests have all enjoyed the experience which is creating so many economic opportunities for the local communities.”
In addition to the adventure, rural and agritourism offerings, the KZN South Coast is home to 58 golden beaches, six of which hold Blue Flag status, and the highest number of tidal pools in the province for protected bathing. Added to this are the key dive sites and Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, as well as the annual Sardine Run, and the area boasts great opportunities in terms of travel and tourism accommodation and product choices.
SCTIE has partnered with Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) to create the One-Stop Shop which is a platform for potential investors and businesses to unlock investment opportunities and municipal support. To find out more about KZN South Coast’s many tourism and investment opportunities, contact 039 682 7944, email info@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.
To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/.
/ENDS
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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)
Umzumbe River Trail.
Umzumbe River Trail.
About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.
Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications
For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za
