Following a challenging year within the hospitality sector, the KZN South Coast’s many tourism establishments are looking forward to the arrival of holidaymakers this holiday, as a way to get back on track going into 2021.

“As our KZN South Coast communities are well aware, tourism is literally the life blood of our local economy, and we all need to play our part to ensure visitors are shown the warm welcome for which the area is renowned,” said CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu. “USCT has committed to ensuring all stakeholders are well-versed in the government regulations regarding Covid-19, so that residents and
visitors are kept safe throughout the festive season.”

With the several Blue Flag beaches, two of the world’s top diving sites, incredible nature reserves, outdoor activities, heritage sites and world-class accommodation, it’s no surprise that the KZN South Coast is fast-becoming one of South Africa’s top tourism destinations. And while USCT continues to drive tourism through a number of dedicated initiatives, the visitor experience is often determined by the community
response and interaction.

“Every one of us is an ambassador for the KZN South Coast and this is a role we all need to take seriously this year,” said Mangcu. “Whether it’s a simple smile and ‘hello’, providing helpful directions or sharing some valuable insight on local attractions, we can all do something to ensure visitors, not only enjoy the experience, but return and recommend the area to others. These kind gestures will go a long way towards job creation, which is absolutely vital in this current economy. The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, and all its magnificent tourism treasures, truly deserves to be enjoyed by everyone, particularly after such a difficult year.”

She said the region was being positioned as a ‘safecation’ destination because of the many nature-based, outdoor activities, as well as the adherence to all relevant Covid-19 heath and safety protocols.

“We’re promoting ‘safe signalling’ by encouraging people to wear masks, to sanitise constantly, and to follow all social distancing protocols,” she explained. “USCT has a dedicated Covid-19 portal on the website
with all updated government regulations regarding health and safety measures. We encourage our tourism establishments and residents to visit the site and ensure they’re briefed on what is required.”

To assist both residents and tourists in locating the best that the KZN South Coast has on offer, USCT has launched the incredibly user-friendly, free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app. This can be downloaded from the Google play store or Apple store as an easy way to navigate the area. The app categories include:

• See and Do

• Eat

• Sleep

• Shop

• Must-see attractions

• Visitor and business services

Become a KZN South Coast tourism ambassador by either downloading the app, or following the KZN South Coast on social media – ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook and YouTube, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter and Instagram.

High resolution images are available upon request.

(Images: Supplied)

Kwa Xolo Caves.

Crocworld Conservation Centre.

*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