Route 67, which will be launched by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA) on Saturday, 24 September is not only a route to attract local and international tourists, it is also a route that will serve as an educational tool to the youth of Nelson Mandela Bay. Memories of April 27, 1994 when millions of South Africans queued for hours to cast their ballots in this country's first democratic election will come flooding back this Thursday (22 September) when 3 500 schoolchildren from Nelson … [Read more...] about Schoolchildren Recreate Ballot Day 27 April 1994
Tourism
Pop On Down to the Donkin for a Braai and Rugby
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) has partnered with Lotus FM to celebrate and mark Bok Friday on September 9 at the Donkin Reserve - in true South African style, with a braai and rugby game. The Bok Friday celebration will also feature the screening of the opening game of the Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and Tonga, starting at 10:30am. "We are extremely excited about visiting Nelson Mandela Bay. The city welcomed us with enthusiasm in 2006 when we launched Lotus FM there. The love … [Read more...] about Pop On Down to the Donkin for a Braai and Rugby
What is the ONE Thing that Defines Port Elizabeth?
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) kick started Tourism Month in the city on Tuesday 30 August by announcing a quirky initiative in which the organisation and the people of Nelson Mandela Bay will find the all-encompassing tourism icon. Over a three-month period, NMBT will, through a number of platforms, search high and low for what people love most about the city named after world icon Nelson Mandela. "We all know that Cape Town has Table Mountain and that Kimberley has the Big Hole, but … [Read more...] about What is the ONE Thing that Defines Port Elizabeth?
Flights Resume Between Friendly City and City of Roses
Business and leisure tourists from the City of Roses, Bloemfontein, in the Free State province will welcome the resumption of regular twice weekly flights to and from Port Elizabeth, the Friendly City, by Airlink in September. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) has welcomed the reintroduction of flights between Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein as a space for growing the domestic tourism market from that region. "One of Nelson Mandela Bay's niche domestic tourism markets is the Free State … [Read more...] about Flights Resume Between Friendly City and City of Roses
Born This Way
Gathering under the rallying cry of "Born This Way" the gay and lesbian community of Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay and further afield will take part in the Nelson Mandela Bay Pride March on Saturday 24 September. On Saturday 3 September the Prince and Princesses will be elected from around the Eastern Cape to take part in the King and Queen of Pride contest on 23 September. The Port Elizabeth heats will be held at Day-Zees in Parliament Street starting at 9:00 pm. The designated … [Read more...] about Born This Way
Clean Up for Hagen and Nomfundo
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism's (NMBT) latest initiative is a drive to clean-up various heritage sites in the city, symbolically starting with historical tourist route, the Donkin Heritage Trail, on Nelson Mandela Day next Monday, July 18. NMBT staff and volunteers will start the clean-up campaign in honour of the former president, iconic leader and namesake of the Metropole at 12:30pm, gathering at the tourism visitor information office on the Donkin Reserve. "We are concerned about the state … [Read more...] about Clean Up for Hagen and Nomfundo
Mabutho Zwane – a Survivor
I have often wondered how many people actually do follow up on the merits or veracity of accusations against someone that are leaked to the media. We like to think that everyone, including ourselves, is entirely innocent of any wrongdoing. Let's face it, headlines like; "East Cape Gambling Board Saga", "East Cape's Gambling Scandal" or even "CEO Hides Relationship with subordinate" certainly sell more newspapers than headlines that read; "Sorry ECGBB", "CEO Aquitted" or "Bugger I was wrong to … [Read more...] about Mabutho Zwane – a Survivor
The Longhair is Adamant – We are Going to Overnight at the Kirkwood Wildsfees
For the first time last year, the Longhair and I toddled off to the ABSA Kirkwood Wildsfees festival in the wild hinterland of the Eastern Cape. That we were graciously given entrance tickets still didn't stop me from grumbling about the expense of diesel; "Just to see more bloody stalls!" Well we were quite impressed. I wanted to say; "Blown Away" but those who know me will know the near impossibility of that ever happening! So impressed were we with the Kirkwood Wildsfees that the Longhair … [Read more...] about The Longhair is Adamant – We are Going to Overnight at the Kirkwood Wildsfees
Continental Milligan Vintage Trial Heads for George
The 42nd Continental Milligan Vintage Trial will take to the roads on Monday 6 June, after registration and a line-up of the vintage cars the day before. This year, the time trail will start at the Protea King Georges Hotel in George, and the spider route will follow the picturesque roads of the Garden Route, ending each day back in George. Members of the public who want to see the cars and chat to the participants can go to the hotel on Sunday 5 June between 9am and 1.30 pm, where the cars will … [Read more...] about Continental Milligan Vintage Trial Heads for George
Are You off to the Tourism Indaba?
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is pulling out all the stops for the South African tourism event of the year, Indaba 2011, which takes place this weekend from May 7 to 10 at the Albert Luthuli Convention Centre in Durban. The organisation is gearing up to showcase the diversity of the Nelson Mandela Bay as a destination. It is also taking to Indaba - with the support of the municipality and the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) - a group of Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises to … [Read more...] about Are You off to the Tourism Indaba?
2011 Welcome Awards welcome Prestigious PE Venue
A highly regarded member of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT), The Plantation, is on track to win more awards after it was announced last week that the premier venue has been shortlisted for prestigious tourism industry prize, the Welcome Awards 2011. “We are absolutely thrilled to have been recognised not only by the industry, but by our customers,” said Sarah Dirsuwei, co-owner of The Plantation. “Our philosophy is to treat every person who comes through our gates as royalty.” The … [Read more...] about 2011 Welcome Awards welcome Prestigious PE Venue
Tourism to Create over 10 000 Jobs This Year
The National Department of Tourism will contribute 10 270 full time jobs in the current financial year, while about 530 small rural enterprises will also be supported, Tourism Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk said on Wednesday. Delivering his department's Budget Vote, van Schalkwyk said the jobs would be created through the Social Responsibility Implementation (SRI) programme and the Tourism Enterprise Partnership (TEP). The department also planned to spend R253 million in the current … [Read more...] about Tourism to Create over 10 000 Jobs This Year
Rooftop Exposes Hidden Gem
Local video production company Rooftop have put themselves on the global map after they won a special jury award, on 18 April, at the annual WorldFest - Houston International Film Fest putting them second in the category of Travel and Tourism videos, for a short tourism video filmed for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) last year. Managing director of Rooftop, Richard Ahlfeldt, who was the executive producer of the video, said it was "brilliant to be recognised" by one of America's oldest film … [Read more...] about Rooftop Exposes Hidden Gem
Guess Who’s 21 This Weekend?
From its first tottering steps as part of a small local festival, the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival has matured into a multi-faceted showcase of local, national and international entertainment acts and sporting events. The 21st edition will take place at Hobie Beach in Port Elizabeth this Easter weekend and visitors can look forward to an action-packed programme, which includes food and craft stalls. "This is the coming of age party for the Nelson Mandela Bay Splash Festival," said … [Read more...] about Guess Who’s 21 This Weekend?
Ectour Members Sweep Adventure Province Tourism Awards
Ectour members dominated the annual Adventure Province Tourism and Conservation Awards held on March 24, 2011 at the ICC in East London. The awards recognize outstanding tourism products and establishments who have made an exceptional contribution to Eastern Cape tourism and conservation by furthering the industry's diversity and excellence. "We are extremely proud of our members and their fantastic contributions to tourism in the Eastern Cape," says Ectour Chairperson, Anleen Louw. Ectour is … [Read more...] about Ectour Members Sweep Adventure Province Tourism Awards
