How KwaZulu-Natal plans to bring back tourism hit hard by Covid-19 and violent riots

KwaZulu-Natal, known for its vibrant tourism sector, faced a severe blow in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic halted travel and tourism activities. The challenges continued to mount as the province found itself at the epicenter of the recent unrest that engulfed the region. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Phindile Makwakwa, Acting CEO at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, shed light on the impact of these events on the tourism industry and the measures being taken to revive it. The mood in the province post the move to alert level three is positive, signaling a glimmer of hope for the industry. Makwakwa highlighted the drop in occupancy numbers due to restrictions and the recent riots but expressed gratitude for the relief provided by the government. The KZN government has allocated 20 million Rand towards relief funding for small businesses in the tourism sector, an initiative aimed at helping them stay afloat during these challenging times. While acknowledging that more support is needed, Makwakwa emphasized the importance of ensuring the sector remains resilient and ready for post-pandemic recovery. Efforts are underway to restore confidence among foreign tourists, with a focus on advocacy campaigns and collaborations with international operators. The province is working towards assuring travelers of their safety, both in terms of the pandemic and recent unrest, highlighting the coordinated efforts of law enforcement agencies and local communities to maintain stability. Plans are in place to showcase South Africa as a destination of choice at international platforms like the Dubai 2020 Expo and through road shows in key markets. KwaZulu-Natal remains a unique and beautiful destination, offering diverse experiences that promise a memorable stay for visitors.