Over the past five years the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal has seen over R5 billion (US$724.3 million) invested in tourism infrastructure and the expansion of the gambling industry has been a part of that development. Tourism KwaZulu-Natal has now won the prestigious Ulysses Award for Innovation in Tourism Governance given annually by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO). The province acquired accreditation last year as a best destination management organisation, the first in Africa, and accreditation was granted for three years instead of the usual one.

South Africa is building towards hosting the soccer World Cup in 2010 so the award augers well for the country’s ability to hold a successful event. With tourism being an important part of the South African economy, it is not unexpected that every effort is being made in the management of the industry. KwaZulu-Natal won the award for excellence in information provision and distribution, information systems and databases, research, and electronic communications such as internet, telephone and fax services.

The big casino companies in South Africa, including those operating in KwaZulu-Natal, have been instrumental in the progress of the tourism industry and were pioneers in destination casino resort development. Gaming taxes have also played a major part in financing necessary infrastructure projects in the provinces. Sun Coast Casino and Entertainment World opened in November 2002 and the casino is the largest in Durban. A total investment of R1.4 billion (US$202.6 million) has made it a key element in the rejuvenation of Durban’s Golden Mile.

The Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom is a short distance north of Durban outside Umhlanga. First opened in December 2004, a second phase was completed in October last year. The construction and expansion of casinos brings more than employment to an area. Hotel rooms, convention centres, restaurants and entertainment beyond gambling all attract business that contributes to the local economy. The new King Shaka international airport will bring foreign tourists directly to KwaZulu-Natal, benefiting both the province and the casinos.

South Africa has so much to offer tourists – magnificent scenery and big game parks, excellent climate, beaches and vineyards. KwaZulu-Natal also boasts the World Heritage Site the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Visitors arriving for the 2010 World Cup are assured of a warm welcome and what promises to be a well-organised event. The CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Ndabo Khoza, commented that the Ulysses Award was “a clear signal that SA's tourism management is among the best in the world, and that we have the innovation and technical skills to convert raw data into world-class strategies and then deliver on those.” (E-05.14.07)

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