KZN abuzz during Tourism Month

"WHILE the overall goal for Tourism Month at a national level remains that of making all our citizens proud of being South African, the goal for KwaZulu-Natal is to continue with the objective of creating awareness about the importance of tourism amongst all its people." So says Tourism KwaZulu Natal's (TKZN) corporate communications manager, Robbie Naidoo. "There is a belief that the people of our province are simply not proud of it. All too often foreigners are told that this province is 'crime- ridden, dirty and AIDS-infested'. Such comments are counter-productive and over a period of time, do a great disservice to the promotion of tourism," added Naidoo. A host of activities and events have been arranged throughout the province by various tourism institutions to officially commemorate Tourism Month in September. Some of the highlights include the Durban International Jazz festival, Awesome Africa, Reed dance, the grand 4x4 rally in Vryheid, Zululand Expo and the King Shaka day celebration, the visit of the national tourism roadshow squad and the launch of the Inanda Heritage Route. According to Mmatsatsi Ramawela, TKZN's Marketing Communications Manager, the festivities during Tourism Month form part of the provinces' spring marketing programme which aims to highlight the region as a destination for all seasons. (Miguel de Sousa)