Page 196 - 2019\20 KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK

USHAKA MARINE WORLD

Stella Khumalo
www.ushakamarineworld.co.za

AN ENGINE FOR TOURISM GROWTH AND Park, a range of restaurants and fast food outlets, its
MARINE CONSERVATION Village Walk retail centre and a variety of parties and
adventures that augment big city events.
Situated on Durban’s Golden Mile, uShaka Marine World
(USM) is Africa’s largest marine theme park and home Tourism with a Conscience
to the largest aquarium in the southern hemisphere. In conjunction with the South African Association
As the second most visited waterpark in the EMEA for Marine Biological Research (SAAMBR), uShaka
region it combines a kaleidoscope of offerings for all Marine World is a key African authority on marine
generations into a single attraction and destination. conservation. A strong marine conservation message
is integral to all events held at the park as well as the
Apart from being an iconic tourist attraction, uShaka iconic SeaWorld aquarium. With its 22 million litre
Marine World plays an important role within the tanks, it is home to more than 300 species of marine
broader tourism sector as an economic engine and life and 10 000 sea creatures.
business success story in boost urban regeneration
and economic development along Durban’s Point In partnership with SAAMBR, uShaka’s Green
Waterfront. Ambass-adors Program subscribes to the United
Nations ‘Ten Guiding Principles’ and seeks to
To date, uShaka Marine World has contributed more enhance USM’s reputation as an attraction of choice
than R2 billion to the Gross Geographical Product whilst increasing profits through goodwill. Activities
(GGP) of Durban, supported by staff include effective usage of vehicles
During the 2017/18 financial year, uShaka has: to reduce the carbon footprint, supporting local
� Welcomed a total of over 3 million visitors. vendors and reducing usage of water and electricity.
� Recorded a footfall of 1 525 644 at Village walk In addition to spearheading important city wide
which is home to 72 retail businesses. conservation projects such as beach clean ups,
� Contributed R544 million in direct expenditure to uShaka is deeply committed to improving the quality
KZN and an additional R533.1 million through of life of both its surrounding community and others
indirect and induced impacts, bringing the total around Durban. The annual Swimanathi provides
contribution to KZN’s GDP to R1.1 billion important water safety education and teaches
� Generated R543.8 million in direct expenditure children from the nearby Addington Primary School
within eThekwini Municipality, resulting in a total to swim.
contribution to eThekwini’s GDP to R915.5 million.
� Sustained 2 227 temporary/permanent annualised CSI projects also include the Ntenga Foundation
jobs. where special walk/run events raise funds to buy
school shoes. Visitors from a number of orphanages /
A Must See Attraction old age homes are regularly hosted.
uShaka’s wide range of entertainment and leisure A Business Partner
outdoor activities are aimed at all generations and at Management has built strategic partnerships with key
both the international and domestic tourism markets. stakeholders within the city’s broader tourism sector
These include everything from adrenaline pumping including Durban Tourism, Tourism KZN, KZN Film
water slides at Wet ‘n Wild to fun and games at uShaka
Kids World to an ‘up close and personal’ experience Commission, Ezemvelo Wildlife, Durban ICC, Moses
at uShaka Sea Animal Encounter Island. In addition, Mabhida Stadium and Msinsi Resorts.
uShaka is popular for its dolphin shows, its Dangerous uShaka is an important mentor to emerging businesses
Creatures exhibit, the Chimp & Zee Rope Adventure within its supply chain. Many of these are tenants who
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