Page 22 - 2019\20 KZN Top Business Portfolio - EBOOK

between Zimbali Lakes Resort and the developing international events that bring people from around
Blythedale node. the world. These events include the Dusi Canoe Race,
the Comrades Marathon and the Midmar Mile and the
Blythdale Coastal Estate situated in KwaDukuza Munici-
pality is a property and hotel development project. Vodacom Durban July horse racing extravaganza.
This is a private sector investment, with the rand value Durban’s central beachfront upgrade has transformed
approximating R15 billion. Durban’s renowned beachfront into a feature of
which the city can be justly proud. The promenade
A R10 billion development called Seaton will be
one of the components of the north coast plan. (which is currently being extended) provides
This development borders Zululami and covers 411- kilometres of uninterrupted sea views, restaurants
and other amenities to the benefit of all. The Moses
hectares. Features of this development include an
equine district, a lifestyle village, college node as well Mabhida Stadium is undeniably an iconic landmark on
as a retirement village Durban’s skyline.
Durban’s showcase International Convention Centre
Sibaya Coastal Precinct consists of around 1 000 hectares
of coastal landscape between the Ohlanga and (Durban ICC) is one of eThekwini’s most successful
economic catalysts. The ICC, Arena and adjacent
uMdloti estuaries. The existing Sibaya Casino and
Entertainment World sits centrally within the site and Durban Exhibition Centre form the Inkosi Albert Luthuli
the development will encompass seven different nodes International Convention Complex, which is the core of
planned around it. On completion, Sibaya Coastal the region’s burgeoning business tourism industry.
Precinct will have approximately 12 000 residential International tourism arrivals have been given a
dwellings across freestanding homes, apartments, major boost due to efforts to expand direct air access
penthouses and retirement units. This precinct will into Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. In
include offices, shops, restaurants, educational 2010 Emirates Airlines and Air Mauritius were the
institutions, and recreational facilities. only international operators out of KSIA. Since then,
this has grown to include Turkish Airlines, Qatar
On the KwaZulu-Natal south coast, Finningley Eco Estate
in Umdoni Municipality will transform 3 000 hectares Airways, Proflight Zambia, SA Express, SA Airlink
of agricultural land for the development of a resort, and Air Namibia.
school, research facilities, racetrack, airport, residential The British Airway direct flight from London to Durban
estate, and agricultural and industrial development. was launched in October 2018. After only two months of
operation, arrivals at KSIA grew by 42%. The UK remains
Part of the Tongaat Hulett portfolio, construction
on Ntshongweni, a new town west of Durban, has one of KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism source markets, with
been given approval. The project will be about 7,6% of international tourists being from the UK and 24%
30km out from Durban, and 60 km from King Shaka from the whole of Europe.
International Airport. Some of the major infrastructure investments in respect
of tourism promotion include:
Tourism
The province is one of the country’s prime tourist � Durban Waterfront Project – eThekwini
destinations for both domestic and international (R35 billion). A mix of residential units,
tourists. The contribution of tourism to the provincial business outlets and restaurants, 5 to 6
GDP grew from R9bn in 2014 to more than R10 billion star hotels, A and B-grade office blocks, and a
in 2018. beachfront promenade with public amenities
� Durban Eye/Wheel – eThekwini (R375): A “giant
Owing to its strategic location along the east coast, the observation Ferris Wheel” that will offer a
province has a competitive advantage in so far as tourism 360 degree panoramic view of Durban and its
is concerned. KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism assets include coastline. It will consist of 27 fully enclosed air-
great accommodation facilities, excellent beaches, two conditioned cabins, which will hold 16 passengers
World Heritage sites, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park each.
and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains Park, � Tinley Manor Resort, Tinley Manor (R1, to R1,5 billion):
private and public game reserves where one can “spot” Four to five-star beach resort development, with
the “Big Five”, the battlefields, numerous golf courses 450 rooms
as well as cultural and heritage sites. � Mkhuze Airport City Development based in
uMkhanyakude District Municipality. This project
The excellent climate allows many sport and leisure is valued at an estimated R2.8 billion and is
opportunities and a range of business opportunities aimed at creating both an airport and developing
has grown to meet the demand of these markets. a precinct around the airport that will provide
aviation services in order to make the project
In line with the above, the province hosts several
both profitable and sustainable.
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