The arrival of September marks the start of both Tourism and Heritage Month as well as the welcome warmth and renewal of the spring season. To celebrate this year’s theme of ‘Tourism for Inclusive Growth’, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has announced a number of exciting events that highlight the region’s unique hinterland offerings.
“With the country starting to rebuild after a really challenging few months, we’re looking forward to embracing this year’s inspired tourism theme that seeks to expand the geographical reach of the tourism economy. This provides increased exposure for rural communities and a better tourism offering overall,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “We’re using this month to showcase the KZN South Coast’s fantastic rural and agritourism initiatives that align with government’s Programme of Action to create decent employment through economic growth. With tourism one of the region’s biggest economic drivers, it’s vital that we support all emerging businesses throughout the KZN South Coast.”
The Longest Date Tour Package
The incredible natural scenery and welcoming communities of the KZN South Coast have made it a prime film destination, with season 2 of the SABC 3 reality TV series, The Longest Date, filmed in the area. To celebrate this, USCT has put together a dedicated Longest Date Tour Package that gives visitors the chance to visit all the magnificent KZN South Coast locations filmed during the season. And, in the first week of September, select media representatives will be visiting some of these and other hinterland locations to generate positive exposure for the area.
A selection of the hinterland offerings include:
· The Gorgez View
· Lake Eland Game Reserve
· Leopard Rock Coffee Shop & Lookout Chalets
· Oribi Gorge Guest Farm
· Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
· Oribi Natural Soaps
· The Farmers Lodge
· The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa
· Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide
· Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Extreme Adventures
· Nyamazane Game Ranch
· Lake Eland Zip Lines
September tourism specials
The Tourism Month celebrations continue with a number of unmissable special offerings, starting with the 10-year-anniversary celebration of the Lake Eland Game Reserve Zip Lines (www.lakeeland.co.za). In the first weekend of September (Friday, 3 to Sunday, 5), visitors are invited to enjoy this extreme 14-slide adventure through Oribi Gorge at only R300 per person, no bookings required. In addition to this not-to-be-missed experience, the KZN South Coast tourism establishments are offering a number of enticing specials to celebrate Tourism Month. These can be viewed at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/specials/.
The 9th Ugu Film Festival
The region’s film offerings are further highlighted with the 9th annual Ugu Film Festival (UFF) which is running in Port Shepstone from 23 to 26 September in both a physical and virtual format. This event – hosted by Zindela Pictures and supported by the National Film and Video Foundation (The NFVF), Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Saigon Cowboys Pictures, GS Bookings and Aroma Pictures – is a great platform to showcase the area’s rich filming talent and opportunities for both the domestic and international market. Throughout the festival, audiences will get to view dynamic film screenings, talks and industry-driven workshops.
To find out more about the KZN South Coast Tourism Month celebrations and all the tourism offerings, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or follow @infosouthcoast on Twitter. To view the tour packages and specials, visit the USCT ‘Specials’ page at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/specials/. For more information, follow the ‘Ugu Film Festival’ Facebook or visit www.uguff.org.
