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Southern Africa 360, under its recently revealed ‘Experiences’ segment, has introduced Stay Local – Indian Home Stay, where guests are afforded the opportunity to stay with a local family in La Mercy, KwaZulu Natal.
“With the aim of growing tourism numbers into KZN, we have developed a new two-night/three-day Indian Home Stay that finds you staying with a local family based on the North Coast, with home cooked meals and transfers done by the host family,” explains Collin Thaver, MD of Southern Africa 360.
On the first day, guests arrive at King Shaka International Airport, where they are met by their host and transferred to their host’s house. A traditional South Indian-Durban style dinner is prepared by the host family, and guests are welcome to join in the meal preparation.
Day two includes a day trip to the local town, Tongaat, and a walk around to get a better understanding of the Indian culture. Guests can also shop for local spices and enjoy a casual lunch, such as bunny chow or a roti wrap before their host takes them to Tongaat Beach. Here guests can stroll down the beach or take a dip in the warm Indian Ocean waters, as well as chat with local fishermen. Dinner will be at the Sea Belle Restaurant, known for its seafood curries.
On day three, guests are dropped off at the airport or travel onward for their extended stay.
Thaver says, unlike the newer markets, KZN tends to be a popular destination for the more traditional markets such as the UK, Dutch, German, Swedish and Danish travellers. “These markets, in most cases, enjoy repeat visits to SA. Also, as more and more clients are looking for experiential, interactive and responsible travel, less-visited regions like KZN open up new and unique options such as this homestay. KZN lends itself well to this type of travel.”
KZN is also a unique destination, as outside of India, it has the next biggest Indian population, with most living in the province still holding on to traditional Indian family values, says Thaver: “I see this as an opportunity for tourists to engage with local South African Indians and learn more about the different ethnic culture that makes up the cultural diversity South Africa offers.”
Included in the Indian Home Stay is two nights’ accommodation in the main house, tea and snacks, one dinner, two breakfasts and airport transfers, as well as the town, beach and restaurant transfers.
Thaver says: “As with all our new local experiences, we welcome local DMCs and tour operators to engage with us to adopt and sell this to their clients.”
Source: tourismupdate.co.za