Support Durban and Umhlanga Tourism Venues

 

September is Tourism month and we had a look at various Tourism venues around Durban and Umhlanga to see if they are ready for business now that certain regulations have been lifted so that they may operate.

With inter-provincial travel allowed that means people from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein and other areas can now visit Durban and Umhlanga. | Image: Durban Tourism

Umhlanga Life visited well known tourism destinations in Durban and it was wonderful to see how well they are being supported. All Covid-19 regulations are being adhered to at various venues including Suncoast, uShaka Marine World, Circus Circus on the beachfront and venues in Florida Road. There is plenty of hand sanitiser available for people to keep their hands clean and there is signage to remind people to social distance. Wearing of masks is a priority except when eating or drinking. Please remember to wear your mask even when you visit a tourism destination. 

Ethekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda, accompanied by tourism officials, conducted an oversight visit in Umhlanga recently to ensure that safety protocols are adhered to as the City reopens its tourism sector. | Image: eThekwini Municipality

‘’We enter Tourism Month with boosted confidence,’’ said eThekwini Mayor, Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda recently. 

He reminded residents to adhere to safety regulations and this includes wearing a mask when out in public, washing their hands frequently with soap or sanitiser while maintaining good social distancing.

Ethekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda said entertainment hubs such as Florida Road and Chartwell Drive in uMhlanga Village as well as township hotspot establishments are ready to host visitors in accordance to Covid-19 regulations.

Take advantage of specials at uShaka Marine World. | Image: uShaka Marine World

‘’We look forward to seeing the public enjoying spaces such as Moses Mabhida Stadium, the beachfront, uShaka Marine World and the Oyster Box Hotel which recently took third place in Trip Advisor’s best hotels in Africa,’’ said Mayor Kaunda.

Beaches such as Bronze Beach in Umhlanga are now open to the public to explore and exercise on.  Image: Fred Felton

‘’Tourism is the life blood of Umhlanga without it our economy is drastically affected,’’ remarked Peter Rose Chairman of Umhlanga Tourism.

With these new regulations it also means that you can explore parks, botanical gardens, nature reserves and even exercise or do yoga on the beach. At present swimming is not permitted. Strict protocols will be adhered to in all of these venues.

People in South Africa are encouraged to visit and explore the City, to find out more about Durban visit www.visitdurban.travel or follow them on Facebook/Durban Tourism or Twitter and Instagram @dbntourism

Support the local tourism industry. | Image: Durban Tourism

‘’Durban has so much to offer both locals and visitors alike and now we need to support our local tourism industry more than ever. So let’s visit our local tourism attractions and take some time out to enjoy Durban’s great choice of restaurants, coffee shops and food stalls. If you don’t have money to spend you can still show your support by liking, sharing and commenting on the social media posts of your favourite local hangouts’’ says Durban resident Tessa Buhrmann, a travel writer and editor for Responsible Traveller digital magazine.

The impact of Covid-19 on the tourism industry has been massive.

‘’Accommodation occupancies have decreased from 70 percent to 46 percent, there has been a loss in tourism spend of R2.4 billion,’’ said Deputy City Manager of Economic Development and Planning Phillip Sithole.

Many major events planned in the City have been cancelled. Around 10 000 people have lost their jobs.

Visit Durban | Image: Fred Felton

Ethekwini Municipality recently launched their virtual destination programme, a campaign that seeks to promote the City as a premier and popular tourist destination.

The City also launched interventions to support the tourism industry, these include increased grant funding to community tourism organisations, discounts on Municipal leases in tourism areas such as the beachfront, re-categorisation of bed and breakfasts and guesthouses, facilitating business support linkages and issuing of filming permits with no charge.

‘’The programme will assist in many ways. We believe this along with various interventions will help ameliorate the impact of this pandemic,’’ said Winile Mtungwa, Deputy Head of Durban Tourism.

Bed and Breakfast and Guesthouse Establishments will receive a Covid-19 rebate to bring their rates payable to the same level as residential.

For more info visit: http://correspondence.durban.gov.za:200/ or visit a Customer Centre near you.

World Tourism Day is on 27 September. This will also see the city’s iconic buildings being lit up in a symbolic ceremony that will depict reigniting the tourism sector.

Vote for Durban in the 27th World Travel Awards | Image: eThekwini Municipality

There is also much to celebrate as eThekwini’s premium business and leisure attractions have been nominated in the prestigious 27^th World Travel Awards.

The City’s four direct nominations are Africa’s Leading Business Travel Destination 2020, Africa’s Leading City Destination 2020, Africa’s Leading Festival and Event Destination 2020 as well as Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Destination 2020.

‘’The announcement of our City’s nine nominations couldn’t have come at a better time. This as we try to navigate our way out of a difficult period which has brought about immense economic challenges for our City, particularly the tourism sector,’’ said eThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda.

He urged the people of eThekwini and the people of South Africa to support Durban and vote in huge numbers.

Other nominations include King Shaka International Airport for Africa’s Leading Airport, Port of Durban for Africa's Leading Cruise Port, Durban landmark the Hilton Hotel received two nominations for Africa’s Leading Hotel and Africa’s Leading Business Hotel, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre was nominated for Africa’s Leading Meetings and Conferences Centres.

Voting is open to the public now and closes Thursday 24 September.

Go to http://www.worldtravelawards.com/vote to register and vote now.

 

For more information on how eThekwini Municipality is helping you visit: www.durban.gov.za