Tourism KZN’s Thulisile Galelekile on why you should visit Durban

In a bid to promote the vibrant city of Durban and the stunning KwaZulu-Natal province to the world, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has been at the forefront of innovative marketing strategies and infrastructure development. Thulisile Galelekile, the General Manager of Marketing at Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, shed light on the efforts made to enhance the tourism experience in the region in an insightful interview with CNBC Africa. Galelekile emphasized the diverse range of activities and attractions that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer, making it a pleasure for her team to market the province. Internationally, their focus lies on business-to-business marketing, engaging with top operators who sell the destination to consumers in key global markets. Through presentations, road shows, and leveraging social media platforms, they aim to showcase the unique offerings of the province to a global audience. Moreover, the team actively utilizes technology, including virtual reality experiences, to give potential visitors a taste of the rich cultural and adventure-filled experiences awaiting them in KwaZulu-Natal. By harnessing the power of social media and traditional advertising channels like radio, television, and print, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal ensures that the appeal of the destination reaches far and wide. Despite Durban often being the focal point of attention, Galelekile emphasized that the city serves as a gateway to the rest of the province. With a well-connected airport and port, Durban offers easy access to other cities and attractions within KwaZulu-Natal. The province's robust road infrastructure further facilitates seamless travel, allowing tourists to explore the scenic south coast, Drakensberg, and other hidden gems just a short drive away from the city. Discussing the ongoing initiatives to enhance accessibility in Durban, Galelekile highlighted the 'Durban Direct' project aimed at improving infrastructure for smoother transportation within KwaZulu-Natal. By partnering with international airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airways, and introducing direct flights from London to Durban, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal is working towards making the province more accessible to tourists from around the globe. The strides taken in enhancing infrastructure and marketing initiatives are poised to position Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as premier tourist destinations, offering a blend of cultural, adventure, and leisure experiences for visitors of all ages. With a focus on showcasing the diversity and beauty of the region, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal continues to strive towards making the province a must-visit location for travelers seeking a truly memorable getaway.