PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
28 July 2021

KZN South Coast visitors can now experience ‘The Longest Date’ through a scenic tourism package

On Monday 26 July, SABC 3 viewers got to meet the latest contestants in the popular extreme adventure competition, The Longest Date. Filmed on the KZN South Coast, their weekly escapades are set against a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, beautiful dive sites, golden beaches, tranquil lagoons and coastal forests. And for those wanting to experience these scenic locations in person, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has put together an exclusive hospitality package that gives visitors a real-world experience of this incredible series.

“We’re delighted that the KZN South Coast was the chosen location for the production of the latest season of this South African TV series,” said CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism, Phelisa Mangcu. “The region is fast becoming a prime filming destination for both local and international production companies. We have such diversity in terms of natural terrain from the coast to the hinterland region, alongside affordable venues and a welcoming industry that is ready to assist production crews at a moment’s notice.”

She said, in addition to the benefits to production companies, local tourism establishments and communities benefitted from job creation and steady economic growth: “This has been a wonderful experience for us on the KZN South Coast, and a really great opportunity to showcase the wealth of natural beauty this region offers tourists. The Longest Date Tourism Package will give visitors a comprehensive, adventure-filled experience of those sites viewed in the show.”

Working alongside Brandgen production company, Paul Jefferys from Go 2 Films, was taken on board as the Line Producer for season 2, tasked with taking charge of the business aspects of the physical production of the series which was filmed in March this year.

Jefferys describes the KZN South Coast as one of the best filming locations he’s worked on: “The natural, expansive beauty, together with the intensely challenging adventure locations of The Longest Date season 2 has ensured an exciting and surprising outcome of the series. The appeal of the KZN South Coast and vast array of scenic beauty makes this a must-watch season!”

The show, which airs every Monday on SABC 3 at 9pm, follows the adventures of 16 single South Africans in search of love and adventure. Matched on ‘the ultimate blind date’, the eight couples embark on a journey to experience high-octane adventures over 13 episodes. Each episode shows how the couples attempt to connect while also undertaking extreme challenges set against the backdrop of the KZN South Coast. The lowest-scoring couples from each round are eliminated from the game, with the winning couple taking home the cash prize.

USCT / The Longest Date Tourism Package

USCT has put together this exclusive hospitality package that gives visitors the chance to visit all the magnificent KZN South Coast locations filmed during the season. Some of the featured filming points to be visited will include Lake Eland Game Reserve, Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Extreme Adventures, KwaXolo Caves, Aliwal Shoal, and Protea Banks.

For the detailed list of The Longest Date Tour Package, visit the USCT ‘Specials’ page (www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/specials/).

Catch The Longest Date on SABC 3 every Monday at 9pm (check ‘The Longest Date’ Facebook page for updates). For more information about the KZN South Coast events and destinations, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or #Visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. USCT is also on social media – follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

/ENDS

 (Images: Supplied by Ugu South Coast Tourism)

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.

 Link to download high resolution images: https://we.tl/t-8lGQ91pQqi

Abseiling

Beaver Creek

Shark Diving

About Ugu South Coast Tourism
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.

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 a number of 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 bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of: 
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za