Holidaymakers looking to relax by the seaside this summer will soon be heading to the beautiful Sapphire Coast! This is a prime opportunity for local businesses to expand their brand and capture a new market – and the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Beach Campaign, running from 20 to 31 December, provides the perfect platform.

Promotional and Sponsorship Opportunities

“It looks set to be a really busy festive season on the Sapphire Coast which is fantastic for our local businesses,” commented Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “As with previous years, Sapphire Coast Tourism is inviting local businesses and organisations to take advantage of this prime time by participating in the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Beach Campaign running at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Winklespruit Beach, and Umgababa Beach.”

The Amanzimtoti Beach activities will run from 20 to 24 December and 27 to 31 December, with the Winklespruit and Umgababa beach activities running from 27 to 31 December.

With a captive audience, Wenzel said this is a great platform for companies to offer promotional items and activities directly to holidaymakers and locals daily. She says local businesses and registered tourism members are also encouraged to supply any promotional items, hampers, prizes, or vouchers as giveaways for beachgoers who are participating in the holiday campaign. Corporates are welcome to contact Sapphire Coast Tourism about large brand promotions or activations for a daily fee to reserve a beach space.

Sapphire Coast Tourism members supporting the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Beach Campaign will not only benefit from their promotional activities, but they will also enjoy extended marketing benefits from Sapphire Coast Tourism. Participating members will feature in printed and social media campaigns throughout the festive period.

All sponsors are to contact Sapphire Coast Tourism ahead of the programme to arrange sponsorship. For more information contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Durban Tourism Business Awards 2024

Sapphire Coast Tourism is also calling on all local tourism products, entrepreneurs, crafters, and more to enter the 3rd edition of the Durban Tourism Business Awards. This is a great opportunity to fly the Sapphire Coast Tourism flag high and showcase the many great tourism offerings within the region. The awards recognise excellence and innovation in the tourism sector with entries running until 23 February 2024. To enter, visit www.durbantourismawards.com.

Note that certain categories require Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) membership, but local businesses can still apply for Sapphire Coast Tourism membership to enter. Simply contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Sapphire Sizzling Summer Beach Campaign

Sapphire Sizzling Summer Beach Campaign is running from 20 to 31 December at Amanzimtoti Main Beach, Winklespruit Beach, and Umgababa Beach, with fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy. In addition to the daily activities, visitors can look forward to:

DSW Educational Campaigns at Amanzimtoti Main Beach on Sunday, 17 December and Pipeline Beach on Friday, 5 January to keep the beaches litter-free this season.KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority will conduct a Don’t Drink and Swim Campaign on Sunday, 10 December at Amanzimtoti Main Beach. This creates safety awareness and promotes the responsible use of alcohol.Durban Tourism will join the festive programme by offering beach activations at Amanzimtoti Main Beach on Saturday, 9 and Saturday, 16 December.Santa will be surprising beachgoers just before Christmas Day at Amanzimtoti Main Beach.Sapphire Coast Tourism extends its thanks to all the sponsors involved, including Splash Waterworld, Gary’s Horses, Tiago’s Open Flame Amanzimtoti, KFC Amanzimtoti, Scuba Co Diving and Travel, Lords and Legends Sports Cafe Amanzimtoti, Funland Entertainment Centre, Nando’s, and Crossbar Pizzeria Amanzimtoti.

Annual Beach Run & Walk

The Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club’s annual beach run & walk takes place on Saturday, 16 December from 8am. There is a 4km race from Winkel River to Illovo River Mouth and Back, and an 8km double lap. The cost is R100 for 14 and older, or R50 for those under 14 years. Registration is 7am at the club. There is also a great arts and crafts market from 9am to 2pm. For more information, contact Alichia on 071 8846077.

Beyond the summer campaign and annual run, the Sapphire Coast has a range of great holiday activities such as:

Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and local curios at Amanzimtoti Main Beach.Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving, or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal.Horse rides on the beach with experienced guides catering for a range of abilities.Illovo River for water sports, fishing, birding, and picnics.Crocworld Conservation Centre with its Holiday Programme including daily feedings and demonstrations.A round of golf, drink or meal at Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club.Birdwatching, wildlife viewing, and hikes through Umbogavango Nature Reserve in Southgate Industrial Park (bookings essential), Amanzimtoti Bird Park, Empisini Nature Reserve, Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve, or the Sapphire Coast Birding Route.Lifestyle experiences a Coastal Lounge in Umgababa and Maqaqa Exclusive Lifestyle in Adams (R603 on route Umbumbulu).