On Wednesday 9 December 2015 the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) hosted its Tourism Awards at the Coastlands in Umhlanga celebrating the best in the Tourism Industry in the eThekwini municipal area. This was the third time that Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) was the main sponsor of these prestigious awards.

The DCCI through its Tourism Forum works towards the achievement of international destination status for Durban. This speaks to goal eight of the Business Vision for the Economic Development of Durban. The Chamber initiated the Business Vision to challenge the Business community in eThekwini, to apply its collective mind to encourage local economic development. Goal eight is the achievement of ‘’international destination’’ status for leisure, business and other tourists.

Colin Naidoo, Manager Communication and Brand, ACSA, commented, ‘’The awards also assist these establishments to ensure tourists experience the best facilities, innovative venues and excellent service levels.

This is why the establishments that have been nominated add to the offerings of the city and region.’’ During the awards ceremony both Colin Naidoo and Phillip Sithole, Head of the eThekwini Municipality’s Durban Business Support, Tourism and Markets Unit, went on to celebrate the successes Durban, especially the tourism industry, have enjoyed.

Both Colin Naidoo and Phillip Sithole expressed their sincere gratitude for the meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships with key stakeholders, including KZN Department of Economic Affairs, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Tourism KZN, Trade and Investment KZN, Dube TradePort, KZN Department of Transport, DCCI and others who work towards making our region an economic driver, become and remain the destination of choice, striving to improve our tourist experience and making sure they come back to our beautiful city.

Colin Naidoo concluded by saying, “Airlines do not fly to airports they fly to destinations.’’

Tourism Forum

The DCCI’s Policy and Advocacy department facilitates the Chamber’s Standing Forums. These Forums exist to inform the Chamber’s Policy and Advocacy activities whilst highlighting pressing issues faced by the business community. These Forums allow the Chamber to maintain a liaison function with government and other key stakeholders.

Another benefit of the Forums is that they provide networking opportunities for businesses with common interests.

The terms and reference of the DCCI Tourism forum are as follows:

• To promote tourism as a key economic driver of the province and eThekwini Municipality
• To share relevant information through efforts of organisations offering tourism insights and statistics
• To provide a platform to promote innovative and creative tourism-related projects and events
• To identify barriers to growth in the industry and determine appropriate strategies and actions to promote growth and development
• To initiate, identify and study policy directives and regulations which impact the sector
• To act as ambassadors for the tourism sector in relation to the media

chamber@durbanchamber.co.za
http://durbanchamber.co.za