For decades, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has attracted travellers and filmmakers with its versatility – a province where world-class locations meet living culture.

Building on this foundation, the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) is driving a bold strategy that positions KZN as South Africa’s most film-friendly province and a premier tourism hub.

The goal is clear: to showcase KZN as Africa’s creative gateway, where stories are made, audiences are inspired, and opportunities are unlocked across every district.

The Dual Value Proposition

At the heart of the KZN Film & Tourism brand is a dual value: film crews find versatile locations that can replicate almost anywhere in the world, while tourists discover a province alive with culture, heritage, and natural wonders.

From the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg to the golden beaches of the South Coast, from vibrant urban skylines to tranquil rural escapes, KZN offers filmmakers unmatched variety in a single province. At the same time, visitors immerse themselves in Zulu traditions, township culture, and the natural beauty that has shaped KZN’s global reputation.

“The beauty of our model is that the same landscapes, cultures, and communities that inspire visitors also inspire directors, crews, and international investors,” says Sibusiso Gumbi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of KZNTAFA. “That’s the strength of our dual mandate – tourism and film reinforcing each other to grow our economy and global visibility.”

Film First: Building a Creative Hub

The film sector sits at the forefront of this vision. KZNTAFA is actively marketing the province as a premier production hub, highlighting diverse locations, skilled crews, and streamlined permitting. The Authority is also prioritising SMME readiness, ensuring that local service providers – from transport to catering, set design to post-production — are ready to seize opportunities.

“Film is not just about lights and cameras,” Gumbi explains. “It is about the jobs created in our communities, the businesses that support productions, and the skills our young people gain by working alongside global crews. Every production is a catalyst for growth.”

To deepen participation, KZNTAFA will host film festivals across the province in 2025. Communities such as the South Coast, Jozini, and KwaMashu will welcome cinema to their doorsteps, providing platforms for emerging filmmakers and nurturing new audiences.

“By decentralising film culture, we are creating access,” Gumbi adds. “Audiences can see themselves on screen, young filmmakers gain visibility, and communities experience the power of storytelling firsthand. That’s how we build an inclusive film economy.”

Tourism as Connection and Confidence

Tourism remains the second pillar of KZNTAFA’s mandate. The province continues to promote its signature bush-beach-berg proposition while also strengthening domestic tourism through accessible packages and festive campaigns. Visitors can enjoy mountain adventures, cultural immersion, and coastal escapes – often in the very landscapes chosen by film producers.

“Tourism is about more than arrivals and hotel nights,” says Gumbi. “It is about pride of place and the stories we share with the world. When visitors leave KZN, they carry our culture with them, and that creates lifelong ambassadors for our province.”

Indaba: Extending KZN’s Global Reach

This positioning has been amplified by KZN’s successful bid to host Africa’s Travel Indaba from 2026 to 2030. While Durban will serve as the host city, KZNTAFA is determined to ensure the benefits are province-wide.

“Indaba is not only Durban’s story — it is KwaZulu-Natal’s story,” stresses Gumbi. “We will make sure Zululand, the Midlands, the Drakensberg, and the coastal regions are all profiled through pre- and post-Indaba tours and district showcases.

This is how we spread opportunity and embed inclusivity at the heart of our tourism and film strategy.”

Indaba offers a global platform for KZN to showcase not only its world-class tourism infrastructure but also its growing film capacity. By linking the two, the province positions itself as both a premier travel destination and a creative hub for Africa.

A Shared Platform for Growth

By aligning tourism and film, KZNTAFA has created a shared platform for growth. Each industry amplifies the other: tourism introduces visitors to KZN’s landscapes, while film projects them onto screens worldwide. Both attract investment, generate jobs, and expand opportunities across districts.

“When you shoot a film here, you are also marketing the destination,” concludes Gumbi. “When you visit as a tourist, you are experiencing the very landscapes and cultures that filmmakers bring to life. That is the dual value, and that is why KZN is Africa’s stage for stories, film and tourism.”

Find out more at www.visitkzn-sa.com