KZN Tourism Uncertainty

Sep 27, 2023 | Press Releases

As Tourism Month comes to an end, we reflect on the spectacular tourist attractions that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer international tourists, as well as local residents. Over the years international tourists – especially those from the northern hemisphere wanting to escape their cold winter – would seek out tourist hot-spots across our province. Tourism role players across the board, from large hotel groups, to small B&Bs, SMMEs and informal traders, all benefitted in some way.

The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), as the Official Opposition in the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature, is sceptical about the tourist season as we approach the end of the year. Whilst the monetary exchange rates make South Africa a very affordable destination, there are many negative factors that will deter international tourists. 

Any tourist would like to have peace of mind around issues such as their safety. The high levels of reported criminal activity, especially those incidents where tourists have been attacked, will certainly deter anybody who would want to holiday in KZN. For decades, the KZN beaches have been a major tourist attraction but recently the water quality has come into question, with high levels of Escherichia coli (E coli), which makes swimming a health risk. Loadshedding and an uncertain clean water supply will also make prospective tourists think twice before deciding to holiday in KZN. 

The IFP believes that all these negative factors undermining tourism in KZN must be placed on the doorstep of the ruling party. Those in positions of power sat back and watched while the tourism sector was being destroyed. While the KZN Tourism Authority has been working hard to promote tourism into our province, the negative forces mentioned above have worked against its efforts. Attracting international tourists also hinges on having international airlines landing at King Shaka International Airport. Tourists would like to be able to move into and out of the province quickly and it would therefore be advantageous to have more international carriers flying into KZN.

If the government of the day is serious about boosting tourism – and thereby creating job opportunities within the sector – it urgently needs to address and eliminate factors that negatively impact tourism in KZN.

Contact
Mr Les Govender MPL
IFP KZN Provincial Spokesperson Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
083 974 4894

Recent Headlines

IFP Commemorates Down Syndrome Day

IFP Commemorates Down Syndrome Day

The Inkatha Freedom Party commemorates National Down Syndrome Day and celebrates every individual living with Down Syndrome. We as the IFP understands that Down Syndrome is not a disease. People living with Down syndrome have actively participated in education,...

IFP Confirms Meeting with IFP-run Municipalities

IFP Confirms Meeting with IFP-run Municipalities

The IFP has taken note of a report that seeks to put a negative spin on the IFP’s meeting with mayors and IFP leaders. The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Party is indeed meeting with the leadership of various IFP-run municipalities today. The process is...

IFP President to Brief the Media

IFP President to Brief the Media

The IFP leadership, led by its President, Hon VF Hlabisa MP, will brief the media on the Party’s reflections on the Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Governments of Provincial Unity (GPU) in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This comes as the GNU/GPUs just marked...

IFP Mourns the Passing of Dr Titus Tito Mboweni

IFP Mourns the Passing of Dr Titus Tito Mboweni

The Inkatha Freedom Party is deeply saddened by the passing of Former Minister of Labour (1994 - 1998) and Finance (2018 - 2021) and Governor of the Reserve Bank, Dr Titus Tito Mboweni a distinguished son of the soil, who served South Africa with dedication and...

WhatsApp