SELLING the City of uMhlathuze as an international tourism destination of choice was the theme of a lively, interactive first AGM of the fledgling uMhlathuze Community Tourism Organisation (uCTO).
More than 150 stakeholders filled the Richards Bay Civic Centre auditorium on Thursday, where the message was clearly presented: our City and region have all the ingredients to make the tourism dream a reality.
Firm commitment from council underpins the entire tourism strategy for what Chief Whip Cllr Manie Lourens in his introductory address termed ‘our jewel’ and the uCTO has dubbed ‘Sizzle City’.
‘Tourism is one pillar of our broader Economic Development and Transformation Strategy as we look at robust and aggressive ways to boost our economy and create employment.
‘Not only did the Almighty provide us with a beautiful, sunny all-year-round climate and warm ocean for recreational tourism, He also gave us leaders and heroes who form the basis of heritage tourism to this, the heart of the Zulu kingdom.
‘We need to sell our history to the outside world because they cannot find it anywhere else.’
Lourens said government-led, private sector-driven and community-based tourism would boost township economy, but warned that crime threat eradication and cleanliness were issues needing to be addressed.
A multitude of achievements by the uCTO in its first year highlighted the meeting, this despite severe financial limitations.
The enthusiasm and commitment of the committee, introduced to the public by uCTO Chairman Professor Thandi Nzama, was acknowledged as the driver.
‘We need to offer high quality tourism packages that make people want to stay longer and come back again, with word of mouth being our best advertisement.
‘We have a wonderful cross-section of members, including bright young men and women who are putting us on the map,’ said Nzama, who singled out uMhlathuze municipal employee Sipho Mchunu for his untiring efforts.
The uCTO, seen as a significant social cohesion factor, will address and submit its budget and business plan to full council on 26 May.
Advantages
The City’s inherent tourism attributes were also touted by guest speaker Ndabo Khoza, CEO of tourism KZN.
He advised the uCTO to focus on events that bring in large numbers, but also to compete for smaller conventions of less than 500 people.
‘You need a beachfront resort,’ was his urgent message.
‘Beaches such as yours can accommodate unlimited numbers. And once they are tired of swimming, visitors will want to explore other places and activities, and will lengthen their stay.
‘You must have something tourists can buy and issues like signage, proper roads, clean toilets and streets are important.
‘The number of walk-ins at tourism offices has reduced sharply, so e-marketing and getting onto social media is vital,’ said Khoza.
