Tom Cruise bringing life back into SA tourism industry

Tom Cruise has slowly but surely breathed some life into South Africa’s tourism industry after a dismal two years of COVID-19, and we’re totally here for it!

For Tom Cruise, injecting life into the South African tourism industry is far from being ‘Mission Impossible’. The lead of the hit movie franchise has been hopping around various parts of the country, to film another instalment of the series – and this week, it’s KZN that is getting the star treatment…

WHAT IS TOM CRUISE DOING IN KZN?

While Tom Cruise is shooting in the province, the local tourism department is making the most of the opportunity – and they believe that the Hollywood star’s time in KZN will ultimately send a positive message to the rest of the world.

“Cruise is currently in South Africa filming for the next Mission Impossible film. He scouted location around Ladysmith before flying off to the Central Drakensberg to continue the shoot.”

“The star’s touchdown in KZN gives the province a major destination awareness opportunity as the Mission Impossible action spy series is a top favourite for millions of movie fans around the globe. Cruise’s visit sets the benchmark for other big movie makers to realise that if KZN is safe for Tom Cruise, then it must be safe for the world.”

Tourism KZN

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE FILMING ‘BRINGS LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES’

However, it’s not just movie makers and film industry titans who should take notice of KZN. Brett Tungay, the provincial FEDHASA Chairperson, is now predicting a business boon for the LEISURE tourism industry. In turn, this could have a monumental impact on local businesses further down the chain.

“This is an amazing opportunity, not just for the leisure tourism industry but holistically for the province and businesses in KZN. Accommodation establishments are filling up as more international celebrities explore the beautiful province and we look forward to hosting more international celebrities.”

Brett Tungay

TOM CRUISE VISIT ‘IS A SIGNAL TO THE WORLD’

All the glitz and glamour is certainly creating an atmosphere of excitement in KZN, and Jackie Motsepe – the province’s Film Commission Chief Operating Officer – is very pleased for the opportunities that are being created.

Motsepe says her department’s mission is to show the world that KZN ‘is one of the best film destinations on the planet’ – and if more big-time producers heed this call, it could be revolutionary for regional businesses and tourism ventures:

“Tom Cruise’s choice of a film location underscores what we continue to communicate to the world that KZN is one of the best film destinations in Africa and the world. When big film producers choose to shoot in the province, the local municipality, local communities and businesses benefit.”

“They participate in the opportunities that are created as a result. I want to take this opportunity to thank and commend the community of Bergville and Drakensburg for working with the Mission Impossible team and giving them the best experiences in KZN.”

Jackie Motsepe

By: Tom Head

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