PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

25 August 2026

 

 

South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise in partnership with EDTEA Hosts Provincial Municipal Tourism Information Sharing Session

The South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA), hosted a Provincial Municipal Tourism Information Sharing Session at Bellevue Guest Lodge in Ramsgate on the 20 August 2026, bringing together municipal tourism stakeholders for a day of knowledge-sharing, engagement and collaboration.

The one-day conference focused on strengthening tourism coordination and ensuring that municipalities are equipped with relevant information and support to advance tourism development within their respective areas.

Key areas covered during the conference included Tourism Best Practices, Tourism Governance, Policy Alignment, Institutional and Support Mechanisms, Tourism Funding Opportunities as well as administrative and procedural matters and tourism update reports.

The conference provided an important platform for delegates to share experiences, gain insights into best practices and engage on opportunities to strengthen tourism planning, governance and implementation.

Day Two of the programme was dedicated to an educational destination experience on the KZN South Coast. Delegates visited the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Vulture Hide in Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland Game Reserve, giving them an opportunity to experience the region’s natural attractions and tourism products first-hand.

The educational excursion demonstrated the importance of destination knowledge in strengthening tourism promotion and encouraged delegates to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and attractions available on the KZN South Coast.

SCTIE CEO, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said: “The information-sharing session provided an important platform for strengthening collaboration, sharing best practices and improving our understanding of the systems that support tourism development. The educational experience on the second day complemented these discussions by allowing delegates to experience the KZN South Coast first-hand. When tourism stakeholders understand and experience our destinations, we are better positioned to promote them effectively and unlock opportunities for sustainable and inclusive economic growth.”

The programme highlighted the value of continued collaboration between provincial, municipal and tourism structures in strengthening the tourism sector, improving coordination and creating opportunities for economic development.

SCTIE remains committed to working with EDTEA, municipalities and industry stakeholders to support effective tourism governance, promote destination development and position the KZN South Coast as a leading tourism destination.

For more information and to plan your Heritage Month getaway, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za.

 

 

/ENDS

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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, The Ugu Maskandi Festival, South Coast Marathon.

 

For more information please contact:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
Cell: 039 682 7944
Email:  vanessa@sctie.co.za