A plan to build a new beach resort at KwaDukuza’s Tinley Manor Beach, north of Durban, is in its early stages.
“The project is currently in the feasibility stage and we are trying to establish the appropriate model for the resort, regarding the number of rooms and facilities,” said Trenley Tilbrook, Business Development Manager for Tongaat Hulett.
Tongaat Hulett will facilitate the establishment of the resort and the company is in the process of gaining environmental approvals for the resort project. “As soon as we have all the environmental rights in place, we will look to align with an investor and operator,” said Tilbrook.
The project will include building a tourism school within the resort at Tinley Manor Beach.
No budget has been procured for the proposed beach resort, which aims to reach construction phase in the next 1-2 years.
“Tongaat Hulett is trying to be pioneering in this space and get the catalyst going to establish more resorts in KwaZulu Natal. Once one resort is established, many more will follow,” added Tilbrook.
A spokesperson for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal said: “Our partnership with the Tongaat Hulett Group to develop a beach resort on the north coast augurs well for increasing the number of international tourist arrivals into KwaZulu Natal. We are also in discussion with the Seychelles Tourism Training Academy to facilitate the establishment of a Tourism School of Excellence within Tinley Manor.”
Mike Mabuyakhulu, MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs KwaZulu Natal, announced the new beach resort at the East3Route investment seminar in the Seychelles, according to IOL.
According to the report, it is hoped the resort will get off the ground within the next year or two.
“We are thrilled to announce that our efforts to secure investment for the beach resort have gained traction and some of the milestones reached include a partnership with the Tongaat Hulett,” Mabuyakhulu was quoted as saying.
Tongaat Hulett is a landowner on the North Coast and has facilitated numerous developments, including Mount Edgecombe, Zimbali, Umhlanga Ridge Town Centre and Gateway Shopping Centre.
