The project of the two partner cities therefore focused on strengthening capacities for sustainable tourism in the environs of Durban, in order to create additional income-generating opportunities for disadvantaged population groups. During implementation, local and cultural conditions were taken into account and travellers were offered experiences off the beaten track in the most sustainable way possible. Handicraft items produced by local women served as an important marketing tool to promote the project abroad, and at the same time as part of the local tourist offering.
During a kick-off workshop in Bremen in 2016, the sustainability criteria of the project were further refined, the pros and cons of external certifications were discussed and concrete target groups for the project were defined. At the same time, talks were held with tourism companies in Durban to find out about their needs, problems and possible obstacles to project implementation. Here, various difficulties came to light that have so far made it difficult for entrepreneurs to access the market. These include training deficits, difficult accessibility due to a poorly developed infrastructure, and little or no opportunity to advertise the services offered.