KwaZulu-Natal Business 2019-20 edition

Massive investments in
tourism are paying off
New direct international flights, upgraded facilities and new hotels
all point to growing confidence in the tourism sector.
Major investments are being made into
getting tourists to KwaZulu-Natal
and new hotels are being built to
accommodate the increased number
of visitors. Durban’s casino has had a major refit
and the Durban International Convention Centre
(pictured) is constantly upgrading its facilities to
cope with demand.
In terms of the vital transportation of
tourists into the province, the most significant
developments are:
• The decision to go ahead with the construction
of a dedicated cruise-liner terminal in the Port
of Durban.
• The announcement in 2018 of a new direct British
Airways (BA) flight between Heathrow Airport
in London and King Shaka International Airport
(KSIA).
• Africa’s longest suspension bridge has
dramatically reduced travel times between
tourist hotspots in northern KwaZulu-Natal
and neighbouring country Mozambique. The
Maputo-Catembe bridge forms part of a new
road from Maputo to Kosi Bay which was officially
opened in November 2018.
KwaZulu-Natal offers astonishing variety for the
visitor. Awesome natural beauty extends from the
beaches all along the coastline to the iSimangaliso
(Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park and the spectacular
mountainous scenery of the Ukhahlamba-
Drakensberg Park. The history of the Zulu kingdom
includes a number of battlefield sites outlining famous
clashes with the British Empire such as Isandlwana.
Mahatma Gandhi lived in the province and the site
of Nelson Mandela’s arrest is commemorated. Big
sporting events such as the Dusi Canoe Marathon, the
Durban July Handicap and the Comrades Marathon
attract thousands of participants and supporters
every year.
In KwaZulu-Natal, the combined contribution of
retail and tourism to GDP is 14%. Many thousands
of visitors to KwaZulu-Natal arrive by road, and
the statistics show that the Mooi River toll plaza
bringing visitors from Gauteng Province is a vital
portal.
Improving access
In 2018 Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA)
and the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal (KCT) signed an
agreement for the construction of a cruise-ship
terminal in the Port of Durban that will be completed
by late 2020.
KCT, a joint venture between MSA Cruises SA
and Africa Armada Consortium, will spend R175-
million on the financing‚ construction‚ maintenance
and operation of a cruise terminal for a 25-year
concession period.
KWAZULU-NATAL BUSINESS 2019/20
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