Public Relations Update
We have shared these #unlimitedopportunities, as well as the #buylocal campaign, with the public through dedicated media releases. With the investment portfolio still being developed, we are focusing on specific growth sectors for each quarter while targeting specialised media outlets. Through our efforts, we received free exposure in several publications, including South Africa Today, My Durban, Marketing Spread, Rising Sun (Chatsworth), My Pressportal, the South Coast Weekly Gazette, and South Coast Herald, among others. We also shared the #buylocal messaging with an interview on Radio Sunny South. Press releases issued 13 December 2022 to 6 March 2023 Unlimited Opportunities to Invest in Tourism on KZN South Coast (1 February 2023) Play Here, Stay Here – why the KZN South Coast property market is on the up (16 February 2023) Port Shepstone Techno Hub brings significant investment potential to the KZN South Coast (22 February 2023) Launch of the #buylocal campaign to support local businesses on the KZN South Coast (1 March 2023) There was a total of 90 coverage clippings with an advertising value equivalent (AVE) figure of R2 488 436 measured by media monitoring agency Newsclip. This includes: Print coverage valued at R899 450 Online media coverage valued at R1 588 986
Exhibitions and Engagements
We relish the opportunity to partake in exhibitions and trade shows that allow us to identify investment opportunities and trends, while networking with potential investors, operators, and stakeholders interested in the South African market. Africa Energy Indaba From 7 to 9 March, SCTIE’s investment team attended the 15th Africa Energy Indaba hosted at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. The indaba, which is one of the continent’s longest-standing premier energy events, is an important opportunity to engage with African energy ministers and potential investors in the renewable energy sector. In light of Eskom’s Just Energy Transition, and the significant tax incentives for renewable energy investment announced in the Budget Speech, this is an area of investment that must be explored. The KZN South Coast, with its high number of sunshine days, access to the Indian Ocean, and wind potential, is well positioned for renewable energy production. Through the conference, B2B Connect Lounge, and networking function, SCTIE will actively explore business opportunities across the continent and internationally. SCTIE Strategy Planning Review 2023/2024 On 9 February, we hosted an internal Strategy Planning Review at St Michael’s Hotel. SCTIE staff, board members, and representatives from district and local municipalities engaged collectively, to plan a way forward regarding marketing, investment, new resources for SMEs and other imperative objectives to enhance and position the KZN South Coast event more favourably. This was followed up by a second session on 22 February, attended by various business associations representing different sectors and Tourism Area Committees. These engagements were a productive opportunity to discuss SCTIE’s goals and objectives while making necessary adjustments for the upcoming year.
Marketing Update
Marketing Campaign This quarter, we attracted investor attention through our Unlimited Opportunities marketing campaign, using the hashtags #unlimitedopportunities #investkznsouthcoast #investment #kznsouthcoast. We used this campaign to really highlight the many investment opportunities found from the coast to the hinterland, across a number of key sectors which are outlined below. Marketing Collateral We have been working tirelessly to build up an image bank that accurately promotes the destination’s key investment sectors. Further photoshoots are planned to ensure we have updated imagery of the latest offerings. Our existing SCTIE-branded USBs will be shared with potential investors at activations at relevant events. These include the A5 digital investment brochure and other relevant marketing collateral which are available online.