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The surfing and Jet Ski competition is in line with SAMSA's long-term strategy of developing marine tourism and leisure investment in KZN as well as nationally. The inaugural South Africa Maritime Industry conference held in June 2012, resolved that the marine tourism and leisure sector should be developed in order that it may be recognised as a key contributor to local economies.
The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr Zweli Mkhize, and Durban's Mayor James Nxumalo are two of the dignitaries who will attend the launch, accompanied by SAMSA's CEO, Commander Tsietsi Mokhele. Mokhele said that they are working closely with Durban Stars to ensure that the new surfing extravaganza is on par with the internationally accredited, Gunston 500. The support of the provincial government and the eThekwini Municipality was a firm commitment to endorse the competition.
Another positive for Durban is that the event falls outside the traditional tourist season when business in the industry slows down and will, therefore, result in more foot traffic into the city and a welcome boost to its coffers. At the height of its success, the Gunston 500 attracted 1million visitors over a four-day period, something this event also aims to achieve.
That event was recognised as one of the biggest and longest running professional surfing extravaganzas in the world, drawing the most prominent names in surfing to the city for over four decades. However, in 2009, Durban relinquished its rights to host the Gunston 500 and without an international surfing competition the city lost one of its key tourism draw cards.
Armed with a five-year plan, organisers say that this year's inaugural event will be staged over two days to re-establish it on the sporting and tourism calendar. From the second year it will run over seven days and surfers from around the world will be invited to compete until the competition regains the legendary status of the Gunston 500 by 2018.
The KZN Surfing Association, the SA Surfing Federation and the SA Jet Ski Association have already given the event their approval, while the eThekwini Municipality has praised the initiative saying that it will bear positive spinoffs for the city's tourism sector and the economy.
Mokhele said that this event was "a significant element in South Africa's maritime tourism competitiveness strategy". He said that events like these are globally touted as the principal way that countries/destinations can periodically reinvent themselves to offer enhanced visitor experience whilst simultaneously making a phenomenal economic impact.
