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USHAKA MARINE WORLD

CEO: Stella Khumalo
www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
ƒ Provided impetus for a R331 million increase in
AN ENGINE FOR TOURIST GROWTH
property prices in the area
It is almost impossible to imagine Durban without ƒ Added 6062 jobs (directly) to eThekwini region
uShaka Marine World. Africa’s largest marine theme ƒ Facilitated 5338 indirect jobs through suppliers
park is not only an integral part of the city’s overall and service providers to uShaka.
tourism offering and one of two anchor tenants along A Must See Attraction
the world renowned Golden Mile, but an economic
engine and success story within its own right. uShaka prides itself in offering a combination of
entertainment and leisure outdoor activities that are
Created over 14 years ago to kick start urban regen- suitable for all generations. These are aimed at both
eration and to boost economic development, it has the international and domestic tourism markets and
driven up footfall in what was a largely ignored and include everything from adrenaline pumping water
neglected part of the Durban beachfront. In more than slides at Wet ‘n Wild to fun and games at uShaka Kids
a decade, it has been a catalyst for the growth of other World to an ‘up close and personal’ experience with
hospitality businesses and the city’s tourism offering sea creatures at uShaka Sea Animal Encounter Island.
as a whole. In addition, uShaka is known for its dolphin shows, its
To date, uShaka Marine World has contributed some Dangerous Creatures exhibit, the Chimp & Zee Rope
R2 billion to the Gross Geographical Product (GGP) Adventure Park, a range of restaurants and fast food
of Durban, enjoying a 20% increase in footfall from outlets, its Village Walk retail centre and a variety of
2014/15 to 2015/6 and an 11% increase in revenue in the parties and adventures that augment big events within
last financial year. the city.
To be more specific, uShaka has: Tourism with a Conscience
ƒ Provided prime trading space for 69 businesses, uShaka is proud to be an important marine conservation
37% of which are SMMEs resource that drives a strong marine conservation
ƒ Employed an average of 22 services businesses message. The iconic aquarium, with its 22 million litre
per annum, 11% of which are SMMEs. tanks, is the seventh largest aquarium in the world
ƒ Provided 39 businesses supplying uShaka with and home to more than 300 species of marine life and
catering services, 20 of which are SMMEs 10 000 sea creatures. This is managed by the South
African Association for Marine Biological Research
(SAAMBR).
However, uShaka’s philanthropy goes beyond the
ocean and beaches and helps to improve the quality of
life of those living close to the marine theme park. The
Swimanathi, for example, provides important water
safety education for over 300 children each year. A
partnership with neighbouring Addington Children’s
Hospital, together with regular visits from schools in
the region enables uShaka to reach out to communities
who would not ordinarily benefit from its resources.

A Business Partner
Management at uShaka Marine is proud to have built
strategic partnerships with key stakeholders within the

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