Durban and KwaZulu-Natal, an area also fondly referred to as the ‘Zulu Kingdom’, has, over the past few months, again demonstrated its ability to professionally host some of Africa’s and the world’s most significant events, making it our Best Destination for MICE, Africa, 2013. Notable examples include the hosting of the International Wildlife Management Congress, the draw for the African Cup of Nations, several African Cup of Nations matches, including a quarter- and semi-final, the African Civil Registration Congress, the Travel Federation of India Congress and the fifth BRICS Summit.
Recipe for success
There are many significant and core reasons for this region’s success as a business destination. Firstly, Durban has a notable international convention centre and associated meeting precinct – the Durban ICC. This substantial convention and exhibition facility has been recognised on several occasions as one of the world’s top 20 meeting venues, receiving awards for Africa’s best convention centre for the past 11 years. The facility offers 33,000sq m of flat floor exhibition space and hosts
plenary congress sessions for up to 12,000 delegates.
Secondly, aside from the ICC, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal have a great range of diverse meeting venues: the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg, a venue that can cater for plenary meeting sessions of 3,000 delegates and provide covered exhibition space of more than 20,000sq m; the Champagne Sports Resort, which is set in the Drakensberg World Heritage Site and can host congresses of over 1,000 delegates; the Olive Convention Centre, a facility that easily caters for congresses in excess of 1,000 delegates; and the Elangeni and soon-to-be-renamed Maharani hotels complex on Durban’s Golden Mile.
There are also a number of smaller venues, from the Coastlands range of hotels, the Three Cities venues, a selection of excellent Protea hotels, and the Fairmont Zimbali Lodge, to the comfortable and good-value facilities of the Gooderson Leisure and City Lodge groups. In addition, there are numerous boutique hotels, lodges, guesthouses, university residences, unusual venues such as the Moses Mabhida Stadium and B&B meeting facilities equipped to cater for most business needs.
Dedicated bureau
Another key reason for the recent business event success of the ‘Zulu Kingdom’ is the establishment of a dedicated convention bureau. The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau has, since its inception in July 2010, assisted Durban and KwaZulu-Natal to further secure in excess of 30 business-related events. The cumulative economic impact of these events is expected to exceed some €100m – or in excess of 1bn South African rand. One of the most important trade shows that this entity recently helped to secure is the 2015 World Routes Development Forum. This event is regarded as the most significant global aviation trade show and attracts leading executives from 350 airlines, over 3,000 delegates, and takes up a substantial 28,000sq m of exhibition space.
The Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau also provides the following support services, together with its partners, to lure business events to the region: assistance with bids and presentations; accommodation blocks and complimentary rooms; MICE fairs; supplier information and quotations; educational trips and site inspections; promotional material; value adding – reception functions, sponsorships and the like; tours and incentive packages; convention publicity and delegate boosting; destination display and promotion; and information kits and welcome packs for delegates.
Unique experiences
The core reason for Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’s success as a business event destination is its offer of a distinctive experience. Modern business event delegates are increasingly seeking not only new learning experiences and the opportunity to network with their peers, but broader, meaningful experiences. KwaZulu-Natal is a place of discovery, providing visitors with lasting memories. The region offers a mosaic of vivid scenery, a blend of cultures and diverse attractions.
Situated on the east coast of South Africa, the province has a pristine 600km coastline, the towering Drakensberg mountain range and boundless untamed stretches of wilderness which are home to the ‘big five’ – lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and rhinoceros. The warm sub-tropical climate makes KwaZulu-Natal one of the world’s premier sunshine destinations and a similar time zone to Europe reduces the chance of jet lag.
With a population of some 10.2 million people, the province represents the cultural diversity of South Africa. Indeed, this province is home to the proud Zulu Nation, and the descendants of colonial settlers from around the world, while the Indian population is one of the largest outside of India. The region is also second most important in terms of GDP contribution.
Eight wonders
South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom boasts an incredible eight unique destinations, making the region a must-see part of the country. From the ragged peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, from grasslands teeming with wildlife to the eclectic richness of its cultures, the awe-inspiring beauty of KwaZulu-Natal never fails to enthrall.
Durban
Where east meets west, Durban is a vibrant city truly in touch with its African identity. Highly sophisticated and cosmopolitan, here visitors can undertake a spot of retail therapy, dance the night away, or simply relax on the welcoming warm sands of its beachfront.
North Coast
The North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, stretches from Zimbali in the south all the way to the Thukela River in the north. Marvel at dolphins playing as they surf the clear waves close to shore. Away from its infinite beaches, the North Coast is transformed into gently rolling hills covered by the ‘green gold’ of KwaZulu-Natal – its primary agricultural crop, sugar cane. This is an idyllic environment offering luxury, beauty, sport and history.
Elephant Coast
Further north, the Elephant Coast encompasses the best of both land and sea safaris, with its pristine conservation areas, the oldest game reserve in Africa, the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park — the first World Heritage Site to be proclaimed in South Africa. The region is an ecotourism paradise reflecting the essence of untamed Africa.
Zululand
This is a destination steeped in Zulu history. King Shaka, Ulundi, Eshowe and Richards Bay are just some of the names synonymous with this world-renowned area. Zululand teems with private and provincial game reserves, offering unmatched game-viewing facilities, hunting and hiking, together with horse and nature trails.
Battlefields
The battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal conjure up visions of the fierce wars of yesteryear – which are often reenacted for the benefit of visitors – but lie at peace today. This area attracts historians and descendants of those who took part in the battles at Isandlwana, Rorkeke Drift, Colenso, Spioenkop, Ladysmith, Dundee and Blood River. Here, visitors can also absorb traditions from the Zulu culture and heritage.
South Coast
The South Coast is known to many as the home of traditional Zulu culture and heritage, and to others as the site of numerous scenic, top-quality golf courses. The coast is also a renowned scuba-diving destination, a surfer’s paradise and home to some of the province’s best abseiling facilities. For the less adventurous there is the opportunity to learn more about the wildlife in several local nature reserves, or to relax on golden beaches, five of which are Blue Flag approved.
Pietermaritzburg and Midlands
The capital city of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg has a rich history, with many of its famous Victorian buildings still in use. The city, which hosts multiple art galleries, craft outlets and museums, is cradled in the shadow of the mighty Drakensberg Mountains in the beautiful Midlands. Historic events concerning such luminaries as Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela add to the interest of Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands region. A popular country craft route, the Midlands Meander offers the best of rural hospitality and creative handwork. Adrenalin junkies can pursue the rush of paragliding or cable sliding over the canopy of an indigenous forest in the picturesque Karkloof area.
Ukhahlamba-Drakensburg
With awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snow-capped in the winter, the Drakensberg Mountains, another World Heritage Site, tower over grassland, bush, yellow wood forests and cascading waterfalls, forming a massive natural barrier between KwaZulu-Natal and the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. The Zulu people named it uKhahlamba, which means ‘Barrier of Spears’, while the Dutch Voortrekkers christened it the Oortrekkern Mountain. An ideal destination for both relaxation and adrenalin-pulsing extreme breaks, it is also a great ecotourism destination where visitors can view wild buttresses and the preserved natural beauty of Africa. The mountain peaks are the highest south of Kilimanjaro, soaring over 3,000m into the African sky.
