I think it’s wonderful that government has at last conceded that our region could benefit from encouraging tourism as a means of generating much needed income to the area.
With so many industries closing or downsizing, jobs are in short supply and by encouraging tourists to visit our area, it would be a means of job creation.
The only problem is that although passenger ocean liners do dock here bringing visitors, more people could be brought in if our airport could be upgraded and cheaper flights provided.
At the moment the only people able to fly in and out of the Richards Bay Airport are business people and the very wealthy. For the normal man in the street, flights here are prohibitively expensive.
Not to mention the absolute monopoly the current carriers have – but I suppose that’s to be expected as these are also government funded (read taxpayers). I think it’s wrong.
More people would visit Zululand if they could afford to fly here, as distances from upcountry are long, the roads terrible and fuel expensive.
By upgrading the airport to accommodate slightly larger planes, therefore allowing for more economical flights here, more people would visit and money would be generated to help the people here earn an income.
Come on government, people are leaving here in their droves because there is no work. This would be an ideal way to generate income and keep people here in this lovely corner of the country.
EDITH HINDES
