Set along the scenic North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Club Med SA is set to become South Africa’s largest resort development after Sun City.
Once complete, it is expected to serve as a major catalyst for economic growth in the region, drawing international tourists and creating thousands of jobs.
The project is being backed by the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), the biggest development finance institution in Sub-Saharan Africa. It’s one of the IDC’s largest tourism undertakings to date, adding to its current tourism exposure of about R3 billion.
The Club Med SA development will result in the creation of an economic hub with a high development impact in an underdeveloped node. An estimated 2,000 jobs will be created through the project — with further creation of downstream jobs across the value chain of linked services.
Even French airliner Air France is exploring adding a new route to Durban, thanks to the resort project.
Kagisho Bapela, head of the Services Strategic Business Unit (SBU) at the IDC, said: “The direct impact is 2,000 jobs on construction and permanent employees. A further 1,500 indirect jobs are expected to be created.”
He stressed that the resort’s economic influence extends well beyond direct employment, with a wide range of industries expected to benefit. From food and furniture to linens and other essential amenities, the project will stimulate growth across the entire supply chain.
“If you think about it long-term, there is going to be a marked shift in the KZN economy. We are impressed by the recruitment and training of 110 staff members for kitchen and restaurant roles through the NukaKamma Hospitality School, an NGO dedicated to educating young and unqualified individuals from Ballito townships,” said Bapela.
“The local crime stats for the villages surrounding the construction site are already reflecting a 60% decrease in reported cases compared to this time last year. This tells us that the people are already meaningfully engaged, and the jobs are creating a sense of ownership.”
Construction on Club Med SA began in March 2024. The resort has been designed to achieve Level 4 Green Building Certification incorporating features that improve energy efficiency, air quality, and occupant wellbeing.
Nestled on the shores of the Indian Ocean in Tinley Manor, it includes 345 hotel rooms being built by 17 main contractors with 250 subcontractor packages, and 1,400 personnel onsite daily – 90 offsite project staff.
Key features of the property include a beach club, a resort centre, children’s club and villa suites. It also boasts a 500-seat convention centre, marking Club Med’s entry into the local business tourism market.
And not to be missed will be the accompanying safari lodge in Mpilo Game Reserve — a private Big Five reserve located in northern KwaZulu-Natal that covers more than 8,623ha — offering a magical safari and beach experience suitable for families.
Ken Ogwang, senior dealmaker in the IDC’s Services SBU, said they chose to work with Club Med SA because of its global footprint in the hospitality business.
Club Med, founded in 1950, is a family-centric travel and tourism operator and is believed to have pioneered the all-inclusive holiday experience. It operates 70 resorts in 32 countries including Indonesia, Thailand, Maldives, Seychelles, Mauritius, Turkey, France, Portugal, Italy, Greece and Portugal.
“The other aspect you get from using an international operator is that you get their brand. If someone is sitting in Jamaica or New York, they know what Club Med is in the global tourism landscape,” he said.
The resort site spans two hills with planned access roads. “We are under very tight deadlines with Club Med global for delivery. If you imagine 1,000 foreign guests on opening day, we can’t very well send them packing back to Europe because the resort is not ready,” said Chris du Toit, the resort’s project lead.
Bulk services including roads, a dam, water infrastructure and a permanent electrical supply are soon to be completed.
According to Olivier Perillat-Piratoine, Club Med SA CEO, the construction of the resort is more than halfway complete. “The construction is doing fantastic. The roofing is completely finished for all the buildings, a sign of good progress. We are launching the reservation in October for the opening in July next year.”
He said Club Med would leverage its global presence to attract international visitors. “We are a very powerful brand. We have a large base of loyal international customers who will trust us with their South African holiday. This is tens of thousands of international travellers that will come to us and they will also spend money and venture outside of the resort.” For us it is a brilliant addition to our existing portfolio of destinations.”
