The Howick Falls File Picture: Independent Newspapers
UMngeni Municipality hosted a large number of local and international tourists during the festive season.
According to UMngeni Tourism there was a significant increase in tours, with hospitality venues fully booked throughout the holiday period.
UMngeni mayor Chris Pappas said the investment made to boost tourism in the area was paying off.
Pappas said UMngeni Tourism, “in partnership with the UMngeni Municipality, has invested time and resources to market the beautiful Midlands to South Africa. The efforts made this holiday season have resulted in a good turnout of local and international visitors. Let's continue to make progress together," he said.
Victoria O'Sullivan, chairperson of UMngeni Tourism, shared that they have experienced a busy festive season, welcoming tourists from as far as New Zealand. She spoke to the broadcast media this past weekend.
"It's been so busy for our hospitality industry, and our accommodation venues have been fully booked. Numerous events have taken place, and restaurants are thriving," she said.
O'Sullivan noted that they have seen a large number of tourists from Korea, Poland, and New Zealand visiting the Midlands. Additionally, many tourists from Durban and Gauteng have flocked to the area.
For the past three years, UMngeni has worked to profile all the key tourist sites in the Midlands. Every year, it organises media tours for journalists to visit and showcase various attractions, providing different and interesting experiences in the Midlands.