The annual campaign to draw the attention of both domestic and international tourists to various tourism attractions in KwaZulu-Natal during the festive season, dubbed KZN Is Summer was this week launched in uMkhanyakude District on the North Coast.

Leading the process was KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala urged tour operators and owners of hospitality and recreational facilities to improve their services to ensure that the province remained the preferred tourism destination amongst visitors.

The launch was held in the picturesque town of St Lucia which is the nerve centre for the the UN declared world heritage site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park which is home to renowned game parks including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and other private owned nature conservation establishments.

After addressing tourism and nature conservation practitioners, Mr Zikalala (right) took a drive through the game park to witness the province's ecotourism treasures such as the Big Five animals that often influence the itinerary of international holiday-makers travelling to KwaZulu-Natal each year.