The mounting success of Sapphire Coast Tourism (SCT) initiatives were presented to eager stakeholders and industry organisers at the Durban Tourism Workshop held at the Coastal Lounge, Umgababa.
SCT is working on reviving the tourism sector which was crippled by the Covid-19 lockdown. The mural projects at Amanzimtoti Taxi Rank and four other sites, international coastal clean-up participation, Blue Flag status, local virtual tours and newly installed viewpoints are some of the programmes being used to attract tourists. Romy Wenzel, SCT organiser, said the creation of jobs through recycling programmes, among several other creative initiatives, were also presented to local leadership. “The purpose of the workshop was to reintroduce the concept of Sapphire Coast Tourism, the community tourism organisation, our mandate, structure and functions. It was lovely to have the participation of ward councillors and representatives, Durban Tourism, the eThekwini Economic Development and Planning Committee (ECOD) Councillor Sipho Kaunda and Mrs Sibongile Bhengu from KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs.” As a green organisation, SCT is focused on reducing, reusing and recycling materials where possible in their projects. Wenzel noted their most recent initiative, a viewpoint at the R102 and Golf Course Road Intersection in Athlone Park, has already utilised recycled plastic to make a photo frame, bench, bins and even map board. “We launched the viewpoint on 18 April, just before the long weekend, with several public members in attendance including Ted Holden from the Golf Course Conservancy and members of the Amanzimtoti Lions. It’s already become a local favourite and we encourage those visiting to keep the area clean for all to enjoy.”
Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Amanzimtoti Golf Course and Prospecton industrial hub, the once vacant viewpoint land however still requires a few landscaping finishing touches.“Local business involvement is key and we support Sopro, Lavaplastic and South Coast Tar Mac who were contracted to assist with the transformation of this space. If your business or group is interested in assisting with the final arrangements we welcome you to reach out.” The SCT organiser also congratulated SACHA Ebmeier who won the competition for the photo frame design at the R102 Golf course viewpoint. She said, “We had some amazing entries and thank all those who participated. Even though adjustments had to be made, as the frame was originally installed at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Sapphire Coast Tourism congratulates SASCHA who won a two-nights stay for two people, with breakfast, at the rejuvenating 305 Guesthouse.” Further down the coast, SCT still plans to install ‘welcome signs’ in and around Clansthal, Crocworld Conservation Centre and other hotspots in this South Coast region as they make preparations for June and July visitors. For more information call Romy on 083 733 6468 or email info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or romywenzel@gmail.com.
