KZN goes all out to defend its dominance in
the domestic market amidst Covid19
If the warm response to an inspirational
video of KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist attractions is anything to go by, local
communities will be at the vanguard of kickstarting the hospitality and tourism
sectors that lay dormant during the lockdown.
KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial tourism agency,
Tourism KZN, has unveiled a motivating visual message of hope on social media
to remind prospective travellers that while “it’s been tough to distance
yourself from the warmth of KZN’s shores, exploring the mountain tops of the
Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, and dancing to the beat if Zulu warriors, KZN will see
you soon”.
The inspiring video compilation which
reassures travellers that their favourite places are still there and ready to
welcome them back soon will make viewers want to pack their suitcases and
travel again.
The local travel, tourism and hospitality
industry’s reaction to the video places local people at the frontline of
touring - not visitors from further afield - once lockdown measures are lifted.
Globally, and in South Africa, tourism was
hardest hit with large scale events, flights and countries going into lockdown.
From the biggest airline to the smallest hotel in a rural community, the sector
was halted.
The World Travel & Tourism Council has
estimated that 73 million jobs will be lost globally as a result of the
coronavirus.
South Africa, which had 10,2 million
arrivals in 2019, expects a decline of about 25% in arrivals in 2020 (7,7
million) owing to the pandemic. KZN can expect around 600,000 fewer tourists in
2020.
Makhosi Msimango, chairperson of SA Women
in Tourism and managing director of Ndzenga Tours said: “The video is
definitely inspiring and meant to remind all our tourists why KZN should be at
the top of the travel list once the lockdown.
We have so much to offer, from the best beaches in country to the warm
smiles from the people. Why not #DOKZN as soon as you can travel?”
Msimango urged everybody to post and share
the video which has breath-taking footage of iconic KZN tourist attractions, on
their various social media platforms “to help rebuild the KZN tourism sector
together”.
Lee Zama, CEO of the Federated Hospitality
Association of Southern Africa (Fedhasa) said: “During these tough times, we
need to keep our tourism flag flying. Tourism is an industry of hospitality
where we look into capturing the hearts and minds of our guests and travellers.
This video campaign captures that spirit of tourism and shows the welcoming
scenic beauty of KwaZulu-Natal”.
Chantal Kliche and Shelley Fourie, coastal
manage and retail manager respectively at Thompsons Travel, one of the largest
tour operators in KZN, were both full of praise for the province’s tourist
attractions.
“This is a truly inspirational video - our
beautiful province has so much to offer,” said Kliche.
Fourie said: “Don’t give up on your dreams
to travel - we are all in this together.”
Palesa Phili, CEO of the Durban Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, said: “This video truly shows off our province at its
best. KZN is truly exceptional in its diversity of offerings and the warmth of
our welcome. There is quite simply no destination like it and the Durban
Chamber’s members in the hospitality sector are looking forward to welcoming
back visitors to our spectacular attractions.”
Tourism KZN will be promoting this video on
various social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube) and everyone
is encourage to share it to keep South African inspired during this time
To check out the Inspirational video, download
on the link:
https://wetransfer.com/downloads/cda01e85d5a47e45bba8fdb91062ea5c20200511111850/2ed5735962f8a97f4d8d61f3c0844eb820200511112035/7e7d83
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