Umhlanga enjoyed fantastic success during the 2010 World Cup. Here’s some news of initiatives in the area.
•••Nonhlanhla Shezi, a rising star at Umhlanga Tourism, has worked at the office for three years now. She is a qualified Information Officer and Tour Guide. In April this year Nonhlanhla attended a Tourism Buddy Workshop, a programmed aimed at helping people provide slick and helpful service during the World Cup. Hosted by Sadha Naidoo of Calypso Events, Nonhlanhla learnt, among other things, the importance of looking pleasant and friendly; being approachable; providing top level service; and anticipating people’s needs by providing as much helpful information as possible.
•••Ten environmental students worked in Umhlanga Village, at the Tourism office and in the Tourism kiosk during the World Cup. Deployed by the Department of Environmental Affairs the students asked members of the public questions relating to environmentally friendly tourism practices. The aim of the survey was to ascertain the level of sustainable tourism practices and to create awareness about the needs for a sustainable and environmentally friendly tourist industry.
•••Four school students volunteered their time during the Soccer World Cup and received certificates of appreciation. They were: Kevin Wu, Nazeer Kamdar, Aphiwe Bulo and Mohamad Vawda. Peter Rose of Umhlanga Tourism is seen here awarding three of the students their certificates.
•••No amount of provision by Umhlanga Tourism would have made much difference were it not for the support of the locals, however. “In this regard I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to the residents and business owners of Umhlanga,” said Rose .
This sentiment was echoed by Wayne Coetzer, General Manager of the Oyster Box Hotel (which accommodated the Cameroon and USA Soccer teams).
“The locals were very supportive of the restaurants and created a real buzz in the village,” said Coetzer. “And the tourists loved Umhlanga. They were impressed by the beaches, the cleanliness of the area and the safety.”
Importantly, however, it was also the locals who supported the economy. “We employed extra staff, extra therapists and brought in extra food, only to find that for Durban the World Cup really didn’t produce like we thought it would,” said Coetzer.
This info appeared in the Tourism Tidings newsletter.
Umhlanga Tourism has asked for your comments: “Please send your comments on your experience of the Soccer World Cup to: info@umhlangatourism.co.za, with ‘Soccer World Cup’ in the subject line. Include positive and negative views.
Umhlanga Tourism Information, Shop 1A, Chartwell Centre, Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks. Tel: 031 561 4257. E-mail: info@umhlangatourism.co.za. Website: www.umhlangatourism.co.za.