Club Med's R2bn resort on KZN coast, SA's first, expected to drive domestic and international tourism

Travel and tourism giant Club Med has bet big on its first resort investment in South Africa.
 
The R2.5 billion Club Med Tinley development on KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast is on track to open in July 2026.

RELATED: KZN North Coast gets a boost as Club Med Tinley comes to town

It's set to be the largest hospitality development in South Africa in over thirty years, and as Absa CIB says, by investing in this monumental project in collaboration with Collins Consortium Group, they 'are building Africa’s hospitality future through infrastructure'.

Annah Watkinson, Head of Global Finance for Coastal Regions at Absa CIB, is confident that this world-class resort will drive tourism both for the local and international markets.

"Club Med's view is to look at fully global and fully local. and I think there's been a trend in general across both domestic and international to know what the price is upfront for everything and not to have to micromanage the cost. And if you look at the cost of your all-inclusive package and compare that across the line, the cost price is not too exorbitant for your local tourism either."

She highlights the 'double draw' of the location, with close proximity both to the ocean and land-based game viewing opportunities.

The prime positioning on the KZN coast meets Club Med's requirements in terms of larger seasonality, Watkinson says.

"If you've ever gone to KZN during winter, it is really hot and wonderful; and the sea life is spectacular with particularly the presence of dolphins and whales....and 
having that Big Five game is something exciting as well for any visitor that comes to SA."

Take a look at the promotional video below:

To listen to  in conversation with Stephen Grootes on 702's The Money Show, click on the audio link below: