From visitor accessibility and experiences to accommodation, the Sapphire Coast has come out tops at the 4th Durban Tourism Business Awards, showcasing the wealth of tourism options on this beautiful coastal stretch. Hosted at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre in June, the awards honoured innovation and excellence within the tourism sector, with the Sapphire Coast claiming 5 awards on the night.
This year, there were 17 categories at the Durban Tourism Awards with winners receiving cash prizes up to R50,000, while the first runner-up bagged a prize to the value of R35,000, and the second runner-up walked away with R25,000. Exceptional Achievement Award winners received an international study tour worth R100 000 and extensive marketing opportunities to advertise their businesses.
“We are incredibly proud of all our winners and top-performing tourism operators who continue to demonstrate why the Sapphire Coast is a visitors’ destination of choice,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “This is also a great example of the benefits of Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) Membership with organisations like Sapphire Coast Tourism – which is one of nine CTOs within eThekwini – offering membership opportunities. We encourage other interested establishments to pursue this value-added route.”
Sapphire Coast’s Top Performers
The Sapphire Coast in KwaZulu-Natal extends from Athlone Park in the North to Clansthal in the South, inclusive of inland areas to Umbumbulu. This attractive coastal region walked away with 3 overall wins, and 2 top 3 placements.
Universally Accessible and Green Sustainability Award
1st Place: Wheels on Waves (Contact: 066 422 7857 | info@wheelsonwaves.co.za)
3rd Place: ATKV-Natalia (Contact: www.natalia.co.za | 031 916 4545 | natalia@atkv.org.za)
Exceptional Visitor Experience Award
1st Place: Gary’s Horses (Contact: www.garysbeachrides.co.za | 084 205 9797 | garycoetzee57@gmail.com)
Tourism Excellence in Accommodation Award (less than 50 rooms)
1st Place: The View Boutique Hotel and Spa (www.hoteltheview.com | info@hoteltheview.com | 031 903 1556)
2nd Place: Bali Grand Lodge and Spa (www.baligrand.co.za |reception@baligrand.co.za | 082 337 1081)
Diversity of Tourism Offerings
Father and son duo, Wesley and Reece Smith, are passionate advocates for disability rights and are spearheading efforts to make Amanzimtoti the top international destination for disabled visitors. Reece Smith, a quadriplegic with an enduring love for the ocean, believes inclusivity is vital which is why they started Wheels on Waves – a free service that gives people with mobility challenges safe access to the ocean via Sandcruiser beach wheelchairs.
Commenting on their win, Reece Smith from Wheels on Waves, said: “We are transforming Amanzimtoti Beach – and the KZN region – into a tourist destination of choice for the disabled, and we aim to distribute floatable wheelchairs to all bathing beaches in South Africa. It’s a huge honour to win the Durban Tourism Award as this will spread awareness about what we’re doing and assist in fundraising for future events.”
Another exceptional tourism experience is Gary’s Horses which, for more than two decades, has given tourists the chance to experience Amanzimtoti and surrounds on horseback. Hosting everything from children’s parties, pony camps, and horse-drawn weddings to rural and beach rides, this is a must-try experience on the Sapphire Coast.
“Winning this prestigious award means so much as we were competing against some of the best in the industry,” commented Gary Coetzee, owner of Gary’s Horses. “It’s such an honour for ourselves, and for everyone who supported us – without whom we couldn’t have achieved this award.”
Showcasing the region’s quality accommodation venues, the Sapphire Coast bagged both first and second position in the Tourism Excellence in Accommodation Awards for venues of less than 50 rooms.
Taking home first place was The View Boutique Hotel and Spa which started more than three decades back as a family-owned, two-room guesthouse. It has since expanded into the beautiful, 47-room boutique hotel it is today, with a world-class spa and an award-winning Italian restaurant, offering personalised hospitality.
“The award is an incredible accolade and shows that dedication and passion for what you do really pays off,” commented hotel manager, Dylan Lategan. “This inspires and motivates us to raise the bar even higher. Being a tourism member allows us to partake in events that greatly benefit our exposure to the industry and build ourselves from being a ‘hidden gem’ to the winner of Best Accommodation in Durban.”
Benefits of Being a Sapphire Coast Tourism Member
- Brochure display at the local Tourist Information Centre
- Marketing support via Durban Tourism promotions
- Regular updates on tourism corridor developments
- Listing on the Sapphire Coast Tourism database and a Membership Certificate
- Social media exposure via Sapphire Coast Tourim’s Facebook and Instagram page
- Inclusion on the Sapphire Coast Tourism and Durban Tourism website
- Featured in the Sapphire Coast Visitor Guide and Map (when printed)
- Networking and referral opportunities facilitated by Sapphire Coast Tourism
- Eligibility to apply for up to 50% eThekwini property rates refund (T&Cs apply)
- Enables mandatory application to EDTEA for TKZN (Tourism Kwa-Zulu Natal) membership
- TKZN membership allows application for national grading via the Tourism Grading Council of SA
- Graded members qualify for provincial road signage through TKZN
- Interested parties can contact info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or 083 733 6468 for any SCT membership enquiries.
Other Sapphire Coast Tourist Sites and Activities
· Amanzimtoti Main Beach which includes fun slides at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and shops with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curios along the promenade.
· Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and/or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned dive site.
· Crocworld Conservation Centre where the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity lives – the world-famous Henry, as well as the newly launched aerial zipline Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures.
· Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishing, birding, and picnics.
· Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club for a round on the 18-hole course or a drink or meal at the club.
· Nature walks, hikes and birdwatching are available with Nungwane Waterfalls in the heart of Umbululu a great attraction for nature lovers, whether experienced on horseback, 4×4, or mountain bike.
For more information about the Sapphire Coast and its diverse tourism offerings, visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or the Sapphire Coast Tourism Facebook page.
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