"We are excited that TKZN awarded us this opportunity. We look forward to working together with the team in showcasing this beautiful province to potential tourists," says Kgaugelo Maphai, chairperson of the Matrix Group and director of Brandswell.

"Tourism is one of the country's biggest contributors to the GDP. Our partnership with TKZN will assist us to develop and implement a tourism recovery plan following the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and maintain their status as a province that 'has it all'," adds Maphai.

Brandswell has worked with both global and local companies, including:
  • Unilever
  • Coca-Cola
  • SAB
  • 3M
  • the Industrial Development Corporation
  • Government Employee Medical Aid Scheme
  • Sun Bets (Sun International), and
  • City of Tshwane.
Tourism and businesses in the hospitality, beverage and entertainment industry were the worst hit as a result of the Covid-19 lockdowns, says the agency. Many establishments had to scale down, some were forced to shut their doors and some simply remain in limbo as a result of reduced numbers of visitors due to lockdown restrictions.

Keith Matthews, acting general manager of marketing of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, says, "We look forward to working with Brandswell as we continue to position KwaZulu-Natal as a leading domestic and international tourism destination, as well as implement our Covid-19 recovery plan to assist the tourism sector to thrive again."

Jon Chappé, executive creative director at Brandswell, says, "We are incredibly honoured that TKZN has chosen us to deliver on their marketing plans. It's even more special for us as our roots run deep in KwaZulu-Natal, having launched Brandswell in Durban. I count myself very lucky to have had the chance to explore and surf most of KZN while studying and working in Durban."

"With our recent experience in assisting City of Tshwane's Economic Development Agency with their destination marketing strategy, and our extensive client track record in developing and managing integrated brand campaigns for corporate and state-owned entities (SOE's), we knew we would be a good fit for TKZN," adds Chappé.

"In saying that, we are acutely aware of the enormous responsibility we have been given to assist TKZN. We plan to create a forward-looking marketing blueprint that will incorporate new risks with insight-driven creative thinking and design," concludes Chappé.

For more information, visit www.matrixgroup.co.za.