KZN is going all out to defend its dominance in the domestic market amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
If the warm response to an inspirational video of KwaZulu Natal’s tourist attractions is anything to go by, local communities will be in the vanguard of kickstarting the hospitality and tourism sectors that lay dormant during lockdown.
KwaZulu Natal’s provincial tourism agency, Tourism KZN, has unveiled a motivating visual message of hope on social media to remind prospective travellers of the allure of KZN.
The inspiring video compilation reassures travellers that their favourite places are still there and ready to welcome them back soon.
The local travel, tourism and hospitality industry’s reaction to the video places local people at the frontline of touring – not visitors from further afield – once lockdown measures are lifted.
Globally, and in South Africa, tourism has been hardest hit, with large scale events, flights and travel coming to a stop – from the largest airline to the smallest hotel in a rural community.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has estimated that 73 million jobs globally will be lost as a result of this.
South Africa, which had 10,2 million arrivals in 2019, expects a decline of about 25% in arrivals in 2020 (7,7 million), owing to the pandemic. KZN can expect around 600 000 fewer tourists this year.
Thompsons Travel’s coastal manager, Chantal Kliche, and retail manager, Shelley Fourie, were both full of praise for the province’s tourist attractions.
“This is a truly inspirational video – our beautiful province has so much to offer,” says Chantal.
Shelley says: “Don’t give up on your dreams to travel – we are all in this together.”
Palesa Phili, ceo of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, says: “This video truly shows off our province at its best. KZN is exceptional in its diversity of offerings and the warmth of our welcome. There is, quite simply, no destination like it and the Durban Chamber’s members in the hospitality sector are looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our spectacular attractions.”
Tourism KZN will be promoting the video on various social media platforms. See the video on Tourism KZN’s Facebook page or view it here.
