PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

12 February 2026

 

Small Tourism Businesses Driving Inclusive Economic Growth on the KZN South Coast

Small tourism enterprises across the KZN South Coast are playing a vital role in driving inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening community development while offering visitors authentic and memorable experiences rooted in local culture and heritage.

From rural adventure operators to locally owned eateries and cultural attractions, these businesses are contributing to a diverse tourism economy that reflects the region’s people and natural assets. Community-based experiences such as the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience, Nyandezulu village tours and Umzumbe River Trail homestays are providing immersive cultural encounters while directly supporting local families, guides and rural entrepreneurs.

Nature and adventure attractions including the KwaXolo Caves Adventure and activities around Oribi Gorge continue to attract outdoor enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences beyond traditional tourism routes. Local food and agritourism offerings are also gaining traction, with establishments such as Leopard Rock Coffee Shop, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Busy Corner Shisyanama showcasing the vibrant culinary scene while creating opportunities for youth employment and small business growth.

In Gamalakhe and surrounding communities, guided township tours, hiking experiences and crafts are further empowering emerging entrepreneurs while giving visitors meaningful insights into local lifestyles and traditions. These experiences encourage longer stays and increased spending within communities, ensuring tourism benefits are widely shared.

Through collaboration with municipalities, tourism partners and stakeholders, small tourism enterprises are gaining access to marketing platforms, training opportunities and exposure to new markets, strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of the destination.

Dr Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), said: “Small tourism businesses are the heartbeat of the KZN South Coast. By supporting local entrepreneurs and community-based experiences, we are building a more inclusive tourism economy that creates jobs, empowers communities and delivers authentic experiences that today’s travellers are seeking.”

As the destination continues to grow, small tourism enterprises remain central to shaping a vibrant, sustainable and community driven tourism future.

Unlock More on the KZN South Coast!

The KZN South Coast is a premier beach destination offering a diverse array of tourism experiences. With the most Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province, it’s perfect for seaside relaxation, while world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks provide thrilling marine adventures alongside deep-sea fishing. The region is a golfer’s paradise, featuring 11 top-quality courses and welcoming clubhouses.

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast with hiking, mountain biking, 4×4 trails, and extreme sports like ziplining and gorge swinging in the scenic hinterland. Nature lovers can explore vast reserves and the Wellness Way Route, while cultural and heritage attractions include township tours, the Mission Tourism Route, and many hiking excursions.

Agri-tourism flourishes with farm visits and rural outings, and motorsport enthusiasts can head to Dezzi Raceway for high-octane action. The area also supports business tourism and event hosting with great MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) facilities in a breathtaking coastal setting.

Get in Touch!

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast! Unlock more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app, visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube, @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram, and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why the KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

Follow the hashtags #KZNSouthCoast #MeetOnTheSouthCoast #ValentinesGetaway #RomanticCoast

/ENDS

Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit is included, and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.

 

High Resolution Images: https://we.tl/t-0eaGeYrkOs

Nyandezulu Village Tours

 

Gamalakhe Hiking

 

Crafters – Umzumbe River Trail

 

KwaNdwalane Experience

 

Leopard Rock Coffee Shop

 

Busy Corner Shisanyama

 

Gamalakhe Hiking

About KZN South Coast

Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts several permanently managed Blue Flag beaches and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

 

For more information please contact:
Vanessa Gounden
Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za