Umhlanga Tourism chairman Peter Rose hosted local businessmen, city dignitaries, tourism roleplayers and the press at the official launch of the Umhlanga festive season events, the “Umhlanga Summer Carnival” at the Umhlanga Sands hotel on Friday, December 3.
Pictured are: Umhlanga Tourism chairman Peter Rose, Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo and Umhlanga Tourism deputy chairman Carroll Lazarus.
A delighted Rose said the carnival had played on the words of the campaign, “Durban the warmest place to be” by billing Umhlanga as, “The coolest place to be”.
He commented on the growth in the area which now saw 12 hotels, new apartment complexes, a number of new Bed and Breakfast establishments and, of course, the King Shaka International Airport a few clicks to the north. These new establishments include the Southern Sun Garden Court, the fabulous Coastlands Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express with its wonderful views of Ridgeside, Durban and its gorgeous coastline.
Marketing
All this, said Rose, meant that Umhlanga could now host any tourist in the world. “We’ve got the infrastructure. The carnival is all about marketing. We need to get numbers in here to appreciate our beautiful town, create further jobs and help tackle the poverty in surrounding areas,” said Rose. Finally he acknowledged the role of the Umhlanga UIP in keeping Umhlanga both safe and clean and a welcoming environment for tourists.
Deputy Mayor Logie Naidoo noted how American newspaper the Washington Globe had referred to Durban as the “Miami of South Africa”. Naidoo said Umhlanga was “the jewel in the crown” of Durban’s offerings. The tourism community in Umhlanga was extremely dedicated and had put together a wonderful programme of events, said Naidoo, adding that his favourite event was the Castle Lite Cold Zone Street Party, which boasted “al fresco dining, street cafes and a carnival atmosphere”.
Look out for the new kid on the block, the Umhlanga Carnival 16km trail run, which is a first for the area. Entries have been limited to just 150, so get in there and make your booking. E-mail Buzz Bolton for more info: buzz.bolton@liblink.co.za
We’ll have more on trail running soon on The Ridge Online site. – Garth Johnstone
Some of the exciting events on offer at Umhlanga main beach and village in the next few weeks:
December 10-12: Lizzard Summer Surf Session – KZN Surfing Association
December 19: Umhlanga Summer Carnival 16km Trail Run
December 13-23: Fun activities on the beach and Millenium stage. 10am-2pm.
Over the carnival period beach beauties can vie for the Miss, Mum and Mr Umhlanga titles. Initial judging begins on December 13 on the beach on specific days.
Lend support
The finals will be held at the Max Institute of Fashion at Gateway on December 22. An entry fee will apply for contestants entering. Spectators, families and friends are invited to lend their support, the finals start at 6pm and an entry fee will apply.
The official crowning will take place at the Castle Lite Cold Zone Street Party on December 23 at 8.30pm. For entry details: missumhlanga@makuluevents.co.za; or mrumhlanga@makuluevents.co.za
December 20: Carols by Candlelight at Granada Square. 6.30pm. Live music. Free entry. Please bring along an unwrapped gift for charity.
December 23: Castle Lite Cold Zone Street Party. Chartwell Drive. From 6pm until late.
Free entry, DJs, live entertainment, buskers. Al fresco dining. Crowning of Miss/Mr Umhlanga at 8.30pm.
For more info about any of these events: contact Makulu Events on 031 312 1281 or go to the Umhlanga Tourism website: www.umhlangatourism.co.za
Note: There are many more activities taking place, such as: kiddies sing-along; mini-talent competition; giant beach volleyball; sand castle building competition; learn to surf; flags; beach cricket; competitions etc. See www.umhlangatourism.co.za for more info.