Bay launches eclectic tourism programmes heavily slanted towards promoting heritage – NMBM

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality launched an eclectic
programme mix, heavily slanted towards promoting heritage, encourage local
tourism and economic development at the Groot Kloof Nature Reserve in
Bethelsdorp today.

Mkhuseli Jack, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic
Development, Tourism and Agriculture, said the choice of venue for the launch and
the planned Tourism Month events, some aligned to benefit from the cruise liner
industry, will go a long way towards encouraging greater economic participation
and manifesting self-awareness and pride.

“Steve Biko used the phrase ‘mental empowerment’ in the
context of taking pride in your heritage and lineage as well as being
self-aware. It is important as we are tasked with the responsibility of hosting
and developing inclusive programmes in order to highlight tourism opportunities
for small businesses and prospective entrepreneurs.

“By developing domestic tourism products and effectively
market unique experiences, we will attract tourists and simultaneously generate
economic opportunities,” MMC Jack said.

As part of the programme, the city will also launch three
new community-based tourism experiences.

These are:

1.      

Bethelsdorp Khoi Experience (Groot Kloof Nature
Reserve)

2.      

Walmer Township Historical Experience, and;

3.      

New Brighton Xhosa Cultural Experience

Akorn Destination Management, a company that works closely
with visiting cruise liners, will be offering these local experiences to
tourists docking in the Bay.

Paul Bruning, Akorn’s Director of Cruise Sales and Projects
for Sub-Saharan Africa said Nelson Mandela Bay is an important cultural
destination.

“Nelson Mandela Bay is not just a springboard to malaria-free
reserves/game parks but also an important cultural destination with the
infrastructure to develop authentic experiences that can potentially bring
economic growth into the communities most in need. 

“Opportunities exist for young people to enter into the
tourism sector with a view to ultimately developing their own businesses to
expand the economic impact created by the increase in tourism visitor numbers.

“The Public/Private partnerships forged as a result of the
city’s strategy will benefit all and not just those involved.

“We are truly engaged in Nation Building and I am proud to
play a small part in this going forward,” Bruning said.

A rhino conservation awareness drive, towards the end of
September, also forms part of the programme.

Andrew Stewart, Chairman of Discover Mandela Bay Tourism
Partners, said a successful and inspirational Tourism Month programme has never
been more needed in our city.

“As with rugby players feeling battered after a match, we
need some coaching, inspiration and a better game plan. The international theme
of Rethinking Tourism is our driving motivation for this year, and we look
forward to inspiring rejuvenated players to take us beyond our market share in
2019.

“As we collaborate closely and effectively with EDTA, we
need our tourism business to collaborate together and with the hymn sheet that
our Board is creating. As the song goes, if we get this right ‘there’s gonna be
a bright, bright sunshiny day. Let’s do this together!” Stewart added.

For more information, please refer to the Nelson Mandela Bay
Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism websites and social media pages.

*******]

Issued on behalf the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality by
Media Management Officer Kupido Baron, 082 780 2726 / 041 506 1500 / kbaron@mandelametro.gov.za /
@kupidobaron.