Durban - The eThekwini Municipality is investing in several tourism projects that will enhance job creation and boost the city’s coffers.
However, the Durban Tourism Awards will cost taxpayers an additional R490 000 because of an increase in prize money and additional categories.
Amendments to the existing annual Durban Tourism awards were approved by the eThekwini Municipality full council on Thursday.
The purpose of the awards is to reward people who deliver excellence in tourism in Durban, give the public a voice that counts in terms of the feedback/review they give; to create awareness about the value and importance of tourism to the local, provincial and national economy, and lastly to incentivise tourism products, especially within the ambit of the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
Council heard that the idea was to utilise the platform to ensure that Durban remains the destination of choice for new and repeat visitors, intra-provincially, domestically and when borders open, keeping Durban at top of mind for international visitors.
The panel of judges will also include Mel Ntombela, who is the community tourism organisation chair of INK Tourism.
Council approved the inclusion of prizes for Creative Industry, Hospitality, Investment and Township economic development. New categories approved include sustainable development, green tourism, service excellence-Rickshaw Pullers. Importantly, winners’ prizes were increased from R30 000 to R50 000. An additional R490 400 was approved.
ANC councillor and Exco member Nthando Khuzwayo said tourism played a big role, and Durban was tourist-friendly. He said there was a need to invest in tourism. Other tourism projects include Invest Africa: Investor Mission 2 Tanzania. Council approved Invest Durban Unit to participate in the Investor Mission to Tanzania taking place between May 4 and 6, led by Invest Africa, in partnership with the Norwegian-African Business Association.
Council heard that Invest Durban will have first-hand investment information direct from the investors and the targeted sectors that will allow Durban to better position itself in the competitive national investment attraction market.
DA Exco councillor Geoff Pullan said they were concerned about the floods and aftermath of its destruction, and asked the city to downscale its spending.
Pullan’s request for the number of people attending to be reduced, because political heads should be on the ground assisting, was not approved by council.
African Democratic Change councillor Visvin Reddy welcomed the city’s support of these initiatives that enhanced the city.
“What is important is that they come back with a report and how their involvement is beneficial to the city,” Reddy said.
The city is also contributing R14 308 372 to Tourism KZN for the Africa Travel Indaba for the 2021/2022, 2022/2023, and 2023/2024 financial years.
The Indaba is one of the largest tourism marketing events on the African calendar and is to take place at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre between May 2 and 5.
Daily News