COVER STORY: DURBAN KWAZULU-NATAL CONVENTION BUREAU
KwaZulu-Natal remains a top business events destination A multi-cultural showpiece global destination, the Zulu Kingdom, or the province of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has a resounding track record when it comes to hosting top local and international events. The province is right up there on the “must-see, must-do” lists of discerning travellers around the world.
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ZN remains a firm leader in the South African business events space. Nowhere else in the world will you find such a unique fusion of raw natural beauty, modern sophistication, cultural diversity and pulsating energy – all in the most breath-taking natural setting. With a wealth of conference and events facilities set against the backdrop of majestic mountains, sun-kissed beaches or bush retreats, it is no wonder that KZN has made significant gains in the business events market. The Zulu kingdom is aggressively and proactively pursuing the business events market in an effort to bring about tourism growth and socioeconomic development in the province. The decision to establish the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau as a focused agency, which is part of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal and supported by the eThekwini Municipality has shown important dividends. 6 Business Events Africa July 2021
The support and commitment of the private and public sectors in this province has enabled this entity, in close collaboration with a range of partners, to secure the right to host significant business events since this entity began its initial operations some eleven years ago. Sonto Mayise, acting chief convention bureau officer, Durban KZN Convention Bureau, said: “KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau continues to act as a pioneer in attracting international, regional and domestic events to the province of KwaZulu-Natal, as our mandate is to be a catalyst for economic development and job creation in the province as well as to elevate the profile of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal as a preferred MICE destination. The convention bureau is committed to recovery for our industry and the provincial economy. We know that the business events industry will lead the way towards global economic recovery in the near future.
Sonto Mayise, acting chief convention bureau, Durban KZN Convention Bureau.
“As Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau, we understand that it has been a very difficult period for the business events sector as you are aware that it has been one of the sectors that have been severely affected by Covid-19 and continues to be affected. But, now with the vaccination drive gaining momentum, it is the time to get back to business. www.businesseventsafrica.com
