The development of the Oceans Mall in Umhlanga, North of Durban is perceived as a catalytic development by the City of Durban, which has added a distinct character to Umhlanga, which is quickly developing into one of the most sought-after tourism destinations in South Africa, a destination of choice for both local/domestic and international tourists. This mall opened its doors for the first time to the shoppers on Tuesday, 15 November 2022, and more than 97% of the 120 shops found in this mall are already let and filled with both well-known national and international brands such as Gucci, Dolce & Gabanna, Burberry and Versace. Among the tenants in this Mall are the giant shops such as Woolworths, Checkers, Checkers Liquor, Pick n Pay Clothing which are all going to enhance the shopping experience for the visitors.
The opening of the stylish Oceans Mall will attract both locals and tourists who visit this coastal destination, which is expected to have a positive impact on the local, regional and national economy through job creation, and the financial contribution to the city through increased rates collection and utilities. This was confirmed by Maharaj, the President of the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry, who said, “the development of this magnitude has a great potential to yield positive economic spin-offs through the creation of direct and indirect jobs”, and in the process enhancing the tourism’s multiplier effect across several economic value chains.
Maharaj is optimistic that the opening of this new development is well positioned and will serve as a tourist attraction that will boost the tourism sector in the fast -approaching festive season. The Oceans Mall is perceived as a magnet that will attract more visitors to the KZN North Coast and this state- of -the- art development has the potential to make visitors to extend their stay in the region to enjoy extended shopping experience in a mall that brings luxury retail and a taste of Dubai in Durban (BusinessTech, 14 November 2022).
Amongst the attractions in the Oceans Mall is the 200 plus-room Radisson Blu Hotel, which comprises 40 deluxe long stay apartments, two penthouses and the 800- seater conferencing facility, with six breakaway meeting rooms for private and cosy meetings. This part of the first phase in this development opened its doors to accommodate tourists in June 2022.
The South Africa’s Tourism Recovery Plan is believed to be well on track in the KZN province with the opening of the state-of-the-art development that will create jobs and boost the tourism sector that is slowly but surely recovering from the effects of COVID-19. and which serves as a boost to the province’s tourism development and promotion. As a country, we need to use new innovations and capitalise on the newly developed Oceans Mall to market and promote this province to be among the world’s sought-after destinations for both the international and domestic tourists.
Mabuyi Gumede
Department of Cultural and Heritage Tourism
University of KwaZulu-Natal
College of Humanities
Durban, South Africa
Email: [email protected]
