South Africa is poised to welcome its first Club Med Tinley eco-resort, a groundbreaking development that aims to firmly establish the country as a global tourism destination.
Club Med President Henri Giscard d’Estaing unveiled this ambitious vision during the contract signing with Collins Residential Consortium CEO, Murray Collins, for the creation of a 32-hectare resort in Tinley Manor, located on KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast. This eco-resort, the first of its kind in South Africa, is set to generate over 800 direct jobs and an additional 1,500 job opportunities in the region.
Club Med Tinley will offer a surf-lifestyle concept for health-conscious beach holidays, deeply rooted in art and local culture. Guests will have the unique opportunity to embark on a safari adventure to encounter Africa’s captivating wildlife. The resort will encompass 342 premium rooms, 64 exclusive collection spaces, a 500-delegate conference center, and an 80-room bush lodge situated within a Big Five Game Reserve in Zululand, just a 3.5-hour drive from the beachfront location.
A mere nine hectares of the 32-hectare beachfront site will be developed, while the remaining land, formerly a dormant sugar cane farm, will be rehabilitated to restore coastal wetlands, dunes, and forests, granting guests direct access to pristine beaches. The site’s strategic location ensures ease of access, with a 30-minute drive to King Shaka International Airport and 45 minutes to Durban.
Club Med President Giscard d’Estaing emphasized the resort’s potential to showcase the heart of Zulu culture and its commitment to environmental protection. He highlighted Club Med’s track record of putting destinations on the global tourism map and expressed the intent to market the resort to approximately 50 million people in 18 languages through online channels.
Backed by South African debt funders and equity partners, Club Med Tinley represents an investment exceeding R2 billion, led by Tinley Leisure (Pty) Ltd.
The development will adhere to green building standards, aiming to achieve a Green Building Council of SA four-star rating. Club Med Tinley’s operations will also follow the international Green Globe sustainable tourism certification, focusing on sustainable management, economic and social aspects, cultural heritage, and the environment. The resort plans to collaborate with Agrisud, a non-profit organization, to promote the growth of local businesses within its supply chain, fostering inclusive growth within the community.
Construction is slated to commence in early 2024, with the resort’s grand opening scheduled for July 2026. This monumental venture promises to contribute significantly to South Africa’s tourism landscape, stimulate economic growth, and elevate the province of KwaZulu Natal as a premier travel destination.
