Knysna, South Africa, 28 January 2019 – Colleen Durant has been appointed as the new General Manager for Visit Knysna Tourism Office as of 11 February 2019.
Commenting on the appointment, Wesgro’s Chief Marketing Officer, Judy Lain said: “The appointment follows an extensive search both provincially and nationally. We believe that Durant’s prior experience in the public and private sector, coupled with her impressive skill set will be the perfect combination to optimise the promotion of the greater Knysna area as a preferred tourism destination.”
Durant has over 11 years of industry experience, the last four of which she accumulated as the Race Director for IRONMAN South Africa. Her previous industry experience includes Acting Managing Director of Tourism Buffalo City for East London and the surrounds, as well as the CEO of Emfuleni Corridor Tourism, a section 21 Company with Sun International.
Durant also has extensive experience in events management, having opened her own business called ‘Maverick Events & Promotions’ prior to being head-hunted by the Buffalo City Municipality Amenities Department to fill the position of Sports Marketing Officer.
“On behalf of Wesgro and our board, we would like to thank Marcia Holms for temporarily filling the role for the past 3 months, we similarly extend a warm welcome to Colleen and wish her well in her new position. We look forward to her contribution to growing Knysna tourism,” said Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris.
“Colleen Durant brings with her a wealth of experience in the tourism and events sector and we wish her well as she takes on her new role,” added Beverley Schäfer, Minister for Economic Opportunities. “The appointment of the GM is a significant milestone for Visit Knysna, providing the leadership and stability required to market and grow tourism in the town. Growing tourism across the province is key to growing our economy, and as such Colleen will receive our full support.”
“We congratulate Ms Durant and look forward to welcoming her to Knysna. We are confident that with her vast experience she will bring the necessary change and growth the Greater Knysna tourism industry deserves,” said Knysna Executive Mayor, Mark Willemse.
Albert Lombaard, the Chair of Knysna Tourism Association, concluded: “We are pleased to welcome a permanent General Manager to Visit Knysna. We urge everyone in the greater Knysna tourism value chain, from the Municipality through to the private sector, to work together to support the team at Visit Knysna to make this partnership a success.”
Visit Knysna, a division of the Wesgro’s Destination Marketing Unit, has been mandated by Knysna Municipality to assist with local tourism promotion and visitor services for the Greater Knysna area. Visit Knysna is based on 40 Main Road, Knysna.
