KZN-Mozambique bridge opens officially
Tourism experts and government officials are confident a new bridge that improves road transport between KwaZulu-Natal and Mozambique will be largely beneficial to local tourism.
The Chinese-built bridge, which is Africa's longest suspension bridge, was officially opened on Saturday.
The bridge helps connect Maputo in Mozambique and Kosi Bay on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast directly by road.
NOW READ: Officials ready for launch of KZN-Mozambique road
According to our Provincial Government, the road will drastically reduce the time it takes to travel between the two points. Officials say a trip from the border at Kosi Bay to Maputo will now take just 90 minutes - down from around six hours, including ferry crossings.
Tourism expert and Tshwane University of Technology lecturer, Unathi Henama believes the bridge will help boost tourism between the two countries, benefit traders and create jobs.
"If you look at the statistics, South Africa is struggling to break the 11-million mark for tourist arrivals. With this new highway, it will be easier to come to our country - whether to enjoy our beautiful country or cuisine," Henama said.
Henama says KZN Tourism will have to do the ground work.
"We definitely hope that KZN Tourism will take an extra effort to try and get people from Mozambique to spend more time with people in the province," he said.