The opportunity to establish a destination management and operating environment for cultural tourism within iLembe has been identified. The project aims to effectively manage the growth of the existing King Shaka Tourism Route in iLembe and to expand the route into the cultural hinterland areas of the district. The opportunity includes sites associated with the life of King Shaka as well as supporting businesses such as food and recreation. There are a number of sites that have been identified and have been included in the Tourism Route and would need to be managed and supported by the Destination Management office in order to grow the local economy. 

 

Tourists may benefit from local knowledge, for example which sites to visit, according to particular tourists’ likes and dislikes. Furthermore, local knowledge about the merit of the attractions advertised, may avoid many disappointments. Both the tourist benefits and the region as the brand promise can be upheld better. A good activity booking service can earn 10-20% booking fees for activities and accommodation. The income streams provide for a good business, given the scale of iLembe tourist offering.

 

Set up organised day tours into hinterland areas
 
Organised day tours can select only the better sites and experiences to ensure that tourist expectations are exceeded. This will contribute to improving the positive communications by tourists of the venue and may also increase the length of stay.

 

Out-Of-Season Package Tours 
 

Special interest groups like golfers and amateur photographers enjoy tours designed to meet their specific interest need. Many people travel internationally for this purpose. These interest groups can be reached quite easily through internet marketing. Since iLembe has much to offer, especially spare accommodation out of peak seasons, this is an option that is likely to yield good results if done correctly.