Objectives

The primary objectives of this project are to:

• Assess the current economic and tourism landscape of the municipality.
• Identify key economic sectors and tourism assets with growth potential.
• Align the strategy with the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy (PGDS) and District One Plan.
• Outline the Core and Enabling Pillars of the National Framework on LED.
• Develop actionable strategies to enhance local economic development and tourism.
• Create a sustainable framework for long-term economic growth and tourism promotion.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Situational Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of current economic and tourism conditions, including SWOT analysis and review of existing policies and initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitate workshops, focus groups, and interviews with local businesses, tourism operators, community leaders, and government departments to gather feedback.
• Economic Development Strategy: Identify key sectors, develop investment attraction strategies, support SMEs, and propose infrastructure and skills development initiatives.
• Tourism Development Strategy: Assess current assets, develop strategies to enhance tourism products, and recommend marketing and sustainable tourism practices.
• Implementation Plan: Develop timelines, resource requirements, KPIs, and monitoring frameworks.
• Final Report and Presentation: Document findings, strategies, and implementation plans, and present to stakeholders.

Technical Requirements

The technical requirements specify that the service provider must:

• Develop a comprehensive LED & Tourism Strategy aligned with national and local frameworks.
• Engage stakeholders through workshops, interviews, and feedback collection.
• Provide detailed reports including situational analysis, draft and final strategies, and an implementation plan.
• Ensure the strategy promotes sustainable and eco-friendly tourism and economic growth.
• Complete the project within six months, adhering to specified milestones.

Skills and Experience Requirements

The service provider must demonstrate:

• Proven track record in developing local economic development and tourism strategies.
• Expertise in economic analysis, tourism development, stakeholder engagement, and policy review.
• Knowledge of the KwaZulu-Natal economy and tourism sector.
• Strong analytical, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Qualified personnel with relevant experience, including a project leader with at least 10 years’ experience in economic planning, development facilitation, or investment attraction.