The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) board is set to meet today to discuss amongst other items, the mounting concern over the future of some of the city’s tourism icons.
“Like the rest of the people of Nelson Mandela Bay, we are concerned over the downscaling of tourism products like Bayworld and the Apple Express,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager.
“Every functioning city needs to have viable tourism-related activities. We have been well aware of the problems facing some of the city’s tourism products, particularly at Bayworld. Last year September we launched a campaign – with Bayworld – to raise awareness of their plight and help raise funds.
“Unfortunately it is not within NMBT’s mandate to operate products, but because functioning products contribute to marketing the city to domestic and international visitors, we have a strong interest in helping them when they have challenges so that NMBT becomes a part of the solution.”
This is the reason the problem is high on today’s board meeting agenda, said Chuene.
Tourism body officials also noted that both government and business were operating in a difficult financial situation due to the recession.
“People need to explore different alternatives in these times – inclusive of the public-private model. But with some ingenuity and commitment from all sectors of society – government, business and private individuals – this financial crunch can be mitigated by working together and supporting each other,” said NMBT chairperson, Odwa Mtati. “It is significant for all stakeholders involved in the likes of Bayworld and the Apple Express to move forward as one unit, inclusive of NMBT.”
An example of where city stakeholders have moved to work together is the bid for the HSBC IRB Sevens World Series, said Mtati.
The city submitted a joint bid with Eastern Province Rugby Union, the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism that was supported by the NMBM and mayor’s office on December 10, 2010. “This is illustrative of a collective approach to securing events aimed at bringing tourists to the city and included input and strategy sessions by NMBT, EP Rugby and the stadium operator from private sector,” said Mtati.
“We are getting more proactive about bringing events here. Flagship events are excellent for marketing Nelson Mandela Bay and increasing tourism traffic to the city – hence our wholehearted participation in the bid. There is a momentum building here that we mustn’t loose as a city. We will try to keep it going through our board and stakeholders,” added Chuene.
The public announcement of the IRB Sevens bid winner is expected on February 18. Nelson Mandela Bay is bidding against Cape Town and Rustenburg.
The board will also meet with Councillor Maria Hermans, the Mayoral Committee chairperson for sports, recreation, arts and culture on Friday to convey their concern over dwindling tourism products and explore possibilities with the municipality.
Alan Straton
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