A 15-member Ghanaian delegation has ended a five-day familiarisation tour of selected tourist destinations in Durban, South Africa.
The trip sponsored by Ethiopian Airlines with support from the Durban Tourism Authority is to expose the delegation comprising of travel and tour operators and journalists to the rich history and culture of the people of Durban.
It was also in a bid to enhance Durban as a tourism destination in Africa.
Mr Mengistu Adelahu, Ethiopian Airlines Traffic and Sales Manager in Durban, briefing the delegation, said the Airline decided to organize the trip because it had opened its first commercial flight on that route in December, last year.
The service, the third destination in South Africa after Johannesburg and Cape Town, was to support the tourism drive of the Durban metropolis.
Durban is the second largest metropolitan city and the second most important manufacturing hub in South Africa and it is one of the main tourism destinations in Africa because of the city’s subtropical climate and extensive beaches.
He said partnering with the tourism authority was one of the best ways to attract tourists to the city to generate revenue for the country, while promoting the Airline.
He said Durban has equal tourist destinations to offer like other major cities including Johannesburg and Cape Town and called on the traveling public to patronize all the attractions in the city.
Mrs Nadine Williams, the Marketing Officer, Durban Tourism told the Ghana News Agency that the security situation in the city was assured for tourist and travelers.
She said management has also been working to develop Durban as a destination for films and entertainment to enable tourists enjoy their stay.
She said the number of flight that that flew to the city was not enough, adding that “we are looking at increasing seasonal flight and other airlines flying to Durban.”
She said substantial investment have been made in tourism infrastructure in the township areas to attract travellers.
A key component of the city’s strategy focuses on growing the “Brand Durban”, highlights the majestic infrastructure and showcasing the visitor experience to new markets.
Some of the tourist destination visited included Inanda Heritage Route, Mahatma Gandi settlement, Phezule safari park, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Lake Eland Game Reserve and Moses Mobhida Sports Stadium.
The group also visited Ohlange High School, founded by the late Dr John Langalibalele Dube, the founding President of the African National Congress.
Source: GNA
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