Durban is known for its warm climate, fabulous beaches and relaxed vibe. According to the 2012 tourism sector statistics published by the Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), Durban accounts for 70.3% of all tourists in the province and a top destination to visit in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Sports and Tourism Exchange (SETE) Exhibition and Conference takes place at Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) this October, and will once again focus on Durban as a preferred destination for sports and international travel. According to the conference manifesto, sport tourism is one of the fastest growing areas in the global travel and tourism industry.
The conference will also put a spotlight on the links between the Hospitality, Leisure, Sport and Tourism Networks. The TKZN reports furthermore state that the top three activities most undertaken by tourist in KZN include going to the beach which tops the list at 57.8 %, watching a live sports event at 24.1% followed by seeing a live show, theatre or concert at 17.3%.
SUNCOAST Executive Director, Mike Dowsley says “We are excited about this conference that will continue to keep Durban on the map; we have continuously marketed our brand as the premier entertainment destination through various partnerships with major events”. Dowsley further commented that, “offering visitors the all round experience with the beach, family entertainment and our memorable events is our way of ensuring that we stay relevant within Durban”.
Adding to the growing appeal of Durban’s beachfront, Durban is reintroducing itself to South African and international business and leisure tourists as the beautiful and vibrant beachfront destination it once was – following multi-million rand investment and intensive focus from the eThekwini Council.
“Durban is moving in the right direction,” says Kevin Page, Development Director of Tsogo Sun, a group that has contributed significantly to the revival of Durban’s Golden Mile. “Having a beachfront is a privilege that many cities around the world share; however, having an aesthetically pleasing and highly user-friendly and accommodating beachfront is something that needs to be worked on constantly by all stakeholders. That’s what we’re doing on Durban’s Golden Mile,” explains Page.
Tsogo Sun’s investment in the beachfront is designed to add to the experience that any tourist will have of the city – “whether it’s enjoying the striking view of the Golden Mile; staying at one of the hotels; sipping a sundowner at Suncoast Towers hotel; using the comfortable and well-equipped conference or business facilities; and more – all the while enjoying a zone that is clean, safe, and well maintained” says Page.
The Tsogo Sun Group which owns SUNCOAST is an accommodation partner to the conference. With a total investment of R 1.4 Billion, SUNCOAST represents the largest single investment on Durban’s beachfront. Along with the International Convention Centre and uShaka Marine World, SUNCOAST forms part of the Golden Triangle, which have proven to be key players in Durban tourism. It’s safe to say that Durban remains supreme in the Zulu Kingdom.
