COMMEMORATING National Tourism Month, the City of uMhlathuze Municipality’s Department of City Development held a competition for local school pupils to create awareness and an interest in tourism.
Youngsters were encouraged to develop a travel itinerary for a tourist visiting the City of uMhlathuze, with the key focus on information provided, presentation and its practicality.
Up for grabs were prizes, certificates and trophies.
Michaela Andrews of Richards Bay Christian School scooped first place, followed by Blessing Khumalo of Mningi High School and Sinenhlanhla Mbatha of Mevamhlope High.
The Department’s Business Support, Markets and Tourism section’s Sibonisile Maduma said apart from attracting tourists from other areas to the City, it is also important that residents become local tourists and explore our various attractions and accommodation establishments.
‘Why should our residents go to the South Coast on holiday when we have a Blue Flag beach right here in Richards Bay.
‘We want visitors from outside, but we would also like to see our locals visiting the attractions we have,’ she said.
Mayor Elphas Mbatha echoed these sentiments, adding that the hotels in uMhlathuze ‘compare with the best in the world’ and that the area has a lot to offer as a destination.
He also shared council’s vision to develop Naval Island to attract visitors to the city and congratulated pupils in taking an interest in the tourism sector.
‘This is a sector that still has to be developed and there are lots of business opportunities available. You, as learners, have the opportunity to open doors in the tourism sector,’ he said.
