Contact Us + 27 (0) Trade Newsletter Q2/SO

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1 Contact Us + 27 (0) info@tourismsouthcoast.co.za Trade Newsletter Q2/SO

2 In This Issue Race the Wild Coast Trade Specials Dates to Diarise Summer Beach Programme South Coast Bike Fest 2017 Been & Seen Nothing Beats the South Coast Diving & Ocean Conservation KwaZulu-Natal local rider wins inaugural Race the Wild Coast against tough international competition Race the Wild Coast saw the launch of a wildly exciting new breed of horse racing. The race, which challenged the endurance of the brave horseback adventurers taking part, saw people from all over the globe signing up to accomplish this massive feat. The event kicked off on the 22 October 2016, in Port Edward on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and was the highlight of many horse riders careers. Riders, with teams of three horses each, competed for victory over almost 350km of rugged paradise on the remote and unspoiled east coast of South Africa; their goal to navigate through challenging wilderness, swim across rivers and keep their horses fit for vet checks in a complex multi stage race. During the 5-day race, there were two horse changes at prescribed points and each of the 12 stages ended with a vet check for the horses (every 20-40km). 13 international and local competitors competed in this year s inaugural event. Prior to the race, riders had to prove they were up for the task at hand - by being physically fit, confident swimmers and comfortable in the wilderness, and of course, experts at GPS navigation. Monde Khanyana (34), the event s only South African born rider, has been riding horses since he was a young boy, growing up in KwaZulu- Natal on a farm near Kokstad. He has experience in endurance riding, polocrosse and is currently involved with horse training in KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape. In 2013 he competed in the Mongol Derby, the world's longest horse race, finishing in sixth place and winning the Horsemanship Award for best care of horses. With a momentous galloping finish, Monde took the win with the crew cheering him on across the finish line. For more info please see Special Thanks to our Patrons

3 Member specials

4 Member specials Pumula surf camp & surf school

5 Member specials cont/. Special events and exclusive stays

6 Crystal Divers in Scottburgh are expanding their offerings, they will be adding SUP, Kite surfing & more to their existing Dive offering. For more information visit Dates to Diarise Orchid & Exotic Plant Fair Stephard Estate 9 th - 10 th December 2016 Oribi Gorge Farmers Market Oribi Gorge 16 th 18 th December 2016 SA Woman s Open San Lameer 26 th 28 th January 2017 Lake Eland Enduro Oribi Gorge February 2017 For a full calendar of events please visit

7 80 event days of Sun and Fun this December Look out for the 4 page full calendar supplement Are you ready?

8 Been & Seen 2016/17 BLUE FLAG STATUS AWARDED TO SA S TOP BEACHES, BOATS AND MARINAS The Tourism Blue Flag Programme was recently launched by Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom. The launch event took place on Marina Beach, and was hosted in October by the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality (formerly Hibiscus Coast Municipality), Wessa and Ugu South Coast Tourism, which has seven Full Status Blue Flag beaches. Read more - Tamara Josephs from the City of Cape Town with Minister of Tourism Derek Hanekom and WESSA CEO Dr Thommie Burger New era awaits Oribi Gorge Hotel The charming old Oribi Gorge Hotel has new owners in Chris and Adele Rieder (pictured here with their children). It s a brand new adventure for the local family, who have taken over the reins from the Jeffrey s family, which has rich family history in the area, dating back to Just part of their new plans include a grand entrance & two luxury tents to be completed near the dam before December. MTB series winners crowned It s been a long and gruelling few months of mountain biking as the inaugural South Coast MTB Series finally came to an end in October. After being officially launched at San Lameer Estate in June, thousands of riders have enjoyed the beautiful terrain, scenery and challenging routes found on the South Coast. This successfully pioneered initiative was proudly supported by Ugu South Coast Tourism, Tiago s, Signmaster, Lucky s, Tightline Fisheries, Powerade, Wild Coast Sun, Bundubashers MTB Club, ROAG, Burry Stander Foundation and One Way Productions. Credit Quintin Van Jaarsveld ehowzit. /171905/new-era-awaitsoribi-gorge-hotel/ Southbroom Mixed Classic According to Sheena James from Southbroom Pro Shop, the golfers all had a grand time at the recent Southbroom Mixed Classic themed Woodstock! Fantastic feedback Once again a magnificent weekend at Southbroom. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and the new couples that joined us are keen to go back next year. The food was of such a high standard yet again with the piece de resistance being the dinner on the Saturday evening. Thanks to all the wonderful folk that put this wonderful event together!!! Derek even managed the weather! To see all the Tournament photos visit -Golf-Club

9 Nothing Beats the South Coast according to sat and satsa members A series of speed marketing sessions were recently held on the South Cost - being the perfect platform to promote current and new tourism products to the tourism industry. Over 20 SATSA Accredited Tour Operators from around the country spent 2 action packed days on the South Coast engaging with members and experiencing the best of Paradise. These speed-marketing sessions are a huge investment for SAT, SATSA and for Ugu South Coast Tourism, bringing about awareness and promoting new and exciting additions to the tourism industry. According to the delegates, the South Coast not only offers the tranquillity one can expect from a coastal area but also offers unique tourist attractions, exhilarating adventures, high-end accommodation outlets and many activities that will allow one to truly immerse themselves in this region of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Over a two-day period, the speed-marketing sessions allowed local tour operators to share knowledge, build relationships and add value to the tourism industry while discovering, exploring, and taking in the wonders of magnificent locations. According to Noluthando Mazibuko of South African Tourism, who facilitated the fam trip, the first session on day one was held at the luxurious Selbourne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate, nestled in the heart of the South Coast. It s an ideal venue for golfers, holidaymakers and businessmen. Members from Umdoni, Scottburgh, Pennington and Hibberdene attended. Umthunzi Hotel and Conference Centre proved to be the perfect choice for the second session. Winner of many accolades including a Lilizela Award for being voted number one in the Best 3star Hotel category, The Umthunzi Hotel deserves all the praise it gets. Tour operators were then taken to The Blue Marlin in Scottburgh, an exceptional establishment with stunning views of the ocean, for a site inspection. Day two of the speed-marketing sessions were held on KwaZulu-Natal s largest banana farm, and breakfast was served at the stunning Outlook Trading Post on the property. From informative and educational banana farm tours to a walk through of The Barn Owl, this establishment has an abundance of activities. Afterwards, tour operators got to take a leap of faith and experience The Wild Swing with Wild 5 Adventures. This exhilarating activity hurled them across the gorge that has a depth of 165 metres. Thereafter the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve was a fitting end to the day, taking in some sightseeing and a vulture hike. Leopard Rock was the final venue for fourth session. The views of the Umzimkulu Valley are simply breathtaking and it s only a mere 25-minute drive from the South Coast.

10 Hammerheads Season on Protea Banks Thanks to African Dive Adventures For the Scuba Diving Industry, this is a magical time of the year..it is Hammerhead Time!!! The annual Hammerhead Migration starts in October and lasts well into April. They come in their thousands and thrill divers from all over the world. The oceans seems to come alive and it is not uncommon to the dive with 5 species of Sharks during this period. Ragged tooth Sharks..fondly known as Raggies. Guitar Sharks, Blacktips, Zambezi s (Bull Sharks) The Hammerheads however take over the reef and offer overseas and local divers some amazing photo opportunities. The Migrating Hammerheads are Scalloped Hammerheads but we also have Great Hammerheads for time to time. They are mostly on their own and unlike the Scalloped Hammerheads they do not come in large numbers. For up to the minute dive information follow African Dive Adventure s on Ocean Conservation and Marine Education Thanks to Shark Cage Diving KZN This December and January will see some of the leading Diving companies on the South Coast hosting a Shark Awareness Campaign which offers hands on, accessible information in a fun and experiential way for all ages whether you want to get your feet wet or not. Join the ocean lovers and diving professionals this festive season on the KZN South Coast to learn more. Whilst you learn to dive, take a boat charter or enjoy a shark cage dive, educational insights will be shared throughout your experience. Interesting facts such as understanding currents, the need to maintain biodiversity and its genetic fitness, tips about conservation and how your footprint makes a difference, are all part of the day. For more information please contact Shark Cage Diving KZN John Miller - johnmiller@sharkcagedivingkzn.com /