Durban - More than 700 000 domestic trips are expected to the made to the KwaZulu-Natal province this month, Tourism KZN has said.
That would boost the local coffers by almost R1-billion, Vikki Vink, the tourism body’s communication senior manager, added. International visitors to KwaZulu-Natal this month would further boost figures.
“One of the reasons we continue to hold our strong position as a holiday destination is due to the events we host. KZN is considered the country’s event capital. This is something that has enabled us to attract a diverse array of visitors,” Vink said.
A host of festivals and other events have attracted tourists over Easter and the province will again “come alive” at the end of the month as 20 Years of Democracy is celebrated, with the provincial celebrations starting at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The annual aQuelle Tour Durban cycle race at the end of the month will attract even more visitors. “Another bonus holiday” is when many schools close between the public holidays of April 28 and May 1.
Meanwhile, delegates from TKZN, Trade & Investment KZN, the KZN Sharks Board and the Department of Economic Development and Tourism as well as a dance troupe which reflects the region’s rich melting pot of cultures, are due to fly out to a carnival in the Seychelles.
KZN is a part sponsor in this year’s “Carnaval International de Victoria”. The April 25-29 event will provide delegates with an ideal opportunity to showcase the province as a tourism and investment destination.
Sadha Naidoo, chairman of TKZN, said the carnival was an extension of existing cross-border programmes linking KZN, Mozambique and Swaziland. “We will ensure that KZN is centre stage for the carnival procession as we will showcase our vibrant cultural diversity with a Zulu, Indian and European traditional dance troupe.” - Daily News