The inaugural KZN Tourism and Hospitality Think Tank, themed “Changing the Narrative Through Collaboration”, will take place at The Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga on November 6.
The event will bring together stakeholders across the province’s tourism and hospitality ecosystem to explore opportunities, address challenges and develop practical solutions for sector growth.
Held in association with the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa, Southern Africa Tourism Services Association and Vacation Ownership Association of Southern Africa, the Think Tank will centre on five core themes:
- Collaboration: Aligning public and private sectors for integrated development
- Fixing the foundations: Addressing infrastructure challenges and municipal inefficiencies
- Reviving state-owned assets: Unlocking the potential of environmental and cultural attractions
- Promoting economic growth: Positioning tourism as a driver for job creation and sustainability
- Promoting heritage and culture: Navigating governance within the Zulu Kingdom respectfully
Each theme will be discussed by a panel of experts with audience participation encouraged. Findings will be compiled into an action plan to be presented to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs at the Provincial Tourism Conference on November 7, ensuring recommendations reach key decision-makers promptly.
“KZN is the full package and the obvious place to focus our efforts for an immediate impact,” said Chris Godenir, Creator of the Hospitality Industry Think Tank and Touching Dreams Ambassador. “A lot has been done over the past two years to improve tourism in the province but much of that work has happened in silos. Our goal is to unite all KZN players so we can move in the same direction, pool our resources and maximise our collective impact.”
Proceeds from the event will support Touching Dreams, specifically the Think Big Academy in KZN, which creates youth employment opportunities within the tourism sector.
