With just 20 days to go, KwaZulu-Natal is preparing to welcome global investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA) 2025. Set to take place from August 27th–29th in the City of uMhlathuze, this year’s forum is a crucial platform for unlocking the vast and diverse investment opportunities within the province, with a special focus on its booming tourism and film sectors.
With the theme “Tourism and Infrastructure Investment: Driving Economic Transformation and Enhancing Community Well-Being,” TIFA 2025 will be held in the bustling economic center of Richards Bay. The event aims to highlight KwaZulu-Natal’s strategic significance as a gateway to both Zululand and Maputaland.
KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism landscape is defined by its breath-taking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and a wide array of offerings, from the pristine beaches of the coastline to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and the historic Battlefields. For investors, this translates into a wealth of opportunities in eco-tourism, hospitality infrastructure, and cultural heritage projects.
Beyond traditional tourism, the province is rapidly establishing itself as a premier destination for film and television production. KwaZulu-Natal is a vibrant hub for film and media production, offering a unique blend of breathtaking locations, skilled professionals, and a rich cultural narrative. The KZN Tourism and Film authority is dedicated to nurturing this potential by empowering local filmmakers, supporting emerging talent, and providing platforms for storytelling that resonate globally. This has attracted both local and international productions, leading to significant job creation and economic growth. TIFA 2025 will provide a spotlight on these film-related investment opportunities, showcasing how investment in the creative sector can contribute to a more diversified and resilient provincial economy.
“KwaZulu-Natal is more than just a destination; it’s a dynamic investment hub with untapped potential,” said Mr. Sibusiso Gumbi Acting CEO of KZN Tourism and Film Authority. “TIFA 2025 is our chance to show the world that our province is not only a land of incredible natural and cultural wealth but also a smart, strategic place to invest. We are particularly excited to showcase the symbiotic relationship between our tourism and film industries, and how they can be leveraged to drive sustainable economic growth and community empowerment.”
The Forum brings together a mix of key decision-makers, including local and international business leaders, government ministers, financial institutions, and private investors. By offering a unique platform to present market-ready tourism projects, the TIFA enables African destinations to secure investment, ensuring long-term economic success.
For more information on TIFA 2025, including the full program, speaker lineup, and registration details, please visit www.tourisminvestmentforum.africa
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About the Tourism Investment Forum Africa (TIFA): Built on the principle of “a global platform for local action,” TIFA seeks to profile and promote secondary and tertiary cities and regions, showcasing them as premier investment, tourism and business events hubs. By positioning these regions for sustainable growth, TIFA helps drive their economic ambitions while providing access to critical capital, networks, and strategic insights on investment in trade-in-services sectors such as tourism.
About KZN Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTFA): The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) is the official provincial body responsible for the development, promotion, and marketing of both tourism and the film industry in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It was created in 2024 through the merger of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN) and the KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission (KZNFC).
The new entity’s mission is to leverage the combined strengths of both sectors to drive economic growth, create jobs, and position the province as a premier destination for both tourists and filmmakers.