Club Med is planning a R1-billion luxury beach resort at Tinley Town, just 10km from King Shaka International Airport in KwaZulu Natal.
The international brand signed a Memorandum of Agreement at the end of March 2019 with landowners at Tongaat Hulett Developments, according to Olivier Hannaert, managing director of Club Med Southern Africa.
“There is still a long way to go before the commencement of work but, nevertheless, all parties are excited and working hard toward shaping the first Club Med resort in South Africa,” said Hannaert, who describes the site as a pristine piece of land with exclusive beach access.
He expects to have no problems filling the resort to capacity: “South Africa is an attractive destination for the 48 countries that are selling Club Med,” Hannaert added.
The resort is expected to have 350 rooms and 50 villas — and be the “missing piece in the region’s tourism offerings”, according to Tourism KwaZulu Natal spokesperson, Nhlanhla Ngwenya.
The resort will officially open for business in 2022, according to eTWN. KZN’s MEC for human settlements and public works, Ravi Pillay, told media he thinks the landmark development will attract international visitors, contribute to foreign direct investment and create job opportunities for the local community.
Beach tourism continues to be the primary attraction in KZN, says Tourism KwaZulu-Natal spokesperson, Nhlanhla Ngwenya, citing the fabulous beaches along Durban’s famous Golden Mile.
And it’s only expected to increase. Designs are being finalised for a new R200m cruise terminal in Durban — and along with R300m upgrades to the promenade from uShaka Marine World to the harbour entrance channel.