According to Tourism Update, KwaZulu-Natal is looking to build a substantial conference hall in Ballito with capacity for over 120,000 visitors.
MEC for Economic Development and Tourism Michael Mabuyakhulu believes that the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal has the potential to become the leader of exhibition events in the country and in the SADC region, but its current facilities are not adequate.
“We’ve identified some gaps in the facilities we have on offer, not in terms of hotels but in terms of exhibition facilities,” he said. “Of course, in the ICC you can host some events and exhibitions, but it is limited.”
Mabuyakhulu has identified Ballito as the ideal site to build a new exhibition hall, as the surrounding area is strategically positioned near King Shaka International Airport and still provides a development greenfield. He expects that by 2030 there will be enough strategic investment to begin building the province’s largest exhibition hall.