Following the recent announcement that the KZN South Coast has, once again, been awarded the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, it’s expected to be a bumper holiday season. To support sustainability and promote local entrepreneurs, South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) is reminding visitors that now’s the time to Buy Local on the KZN South Coast.
“We want to create a self-sustaining local economy promoted by responsible tourism and more conscious consumer habits,” explained the CEO of SCTIE, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “This resulted in the launch of our Buy Local campaign which has continued to gain momentum. With the festive season bringing a number of holidaymakers to the region, we’re calling on them to join the campaign, support our local businesses, and ensure the KZN South Coast remains a thriving tourist destination.”
The Buy Local campaign was launched to provide a platform for the KZN South Coast’s SMEs while encouraging support for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, farmers, and professional services. The benefits are not only increased income for local businesses, but the creation of an interconnected, more resilient local economy.
By creating this circular flow of economy, the Buy Local campaign aims to offset the trade deficit and import substitution, which has a far-reaching positive impact. Results include reduced transport costs, lower carbon footprints, stronger community networks, and the opportunity for new businesses to emerge, and entrepreneurship to thrive on the KZN South Coast.
“As the festive season approaches, the KZN South Coast is looking forward to another bumper season, in a large part thanks to our subtropical climate and Blue Flag beaches,” he continued. “We encourage our visitors and residents to consider buying locally manufactured gifts, or relying on local services this festive season. Our local offerings are not only top quality, but this support ensures that local businesses and families will continue to prosper going into 2025.”
Renowned for its world-class tourism offerings, the KZN South Coast also offers a wealth of locally manufactured goods, from furniture, décor, and clothing to art, crafts, and handmade leather goods. The Wellness Way route launched in 2023 also gives visitors the option of gifting wellness therapy such as spa days and treatments, while accommodation, extreme adventures, golf, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences like shark cage diving, microlight flips, or gorge swinging can be enjoyed as gift vouchers.
“The KZN South Coast will also host numerous markets and festive events this season where visitors will get the chance buy home-made Christmas gifts,” noted Dr Sibiya. “I believe this is an opportunity to uncover the natural talent that exists on the KZN South Coast, to support our local economy, and to end the year on a really positive note.”
To purchase goods sold or secure services from Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. To make orders from Buy Local members or join the campaign, visit the Buy Local tag at www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za or click here for a membership form. Check out all the latest KZN South Coast Events on the SCTIE website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za.
The KZN South Coast is well-positioned to leverage investment potential through the Eastern Seaboard Development Initiative with existing investor support provided by Port Shepstone Business Hub and the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop. The KZN South Coast continues to offer unmatched investment opportunities across a range of sectors, among them:
· Agriculture
· Property development
· Manufacturing
· Mining and Beneficiation
· Maritime | Ocean Economy
· Logistics
· Renewable Energy
· Hinterland Sites
SCTIE Investment Details
To find out more about these and more investment opportunities, get in touch with SCTIE, the KZN South Coast’s One-Stop Shop for investment. Contact SCTIE on 039 682 7944, email oss@sctie.co.za or visit www.investkznsouthcoast.co.za.