Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) was prepared to welcome all who flocked to the coastal destination to cool down at the beach and enjoy all the attractions and activities on offer. As temperatures rose with little to no wind the destination provided great relief through the beach offerings and swimming facilities such as MacArthur’s pools and Splash Waterworld.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism was fully stocked and prepared with information services on offer for visitors through the visitor information offices situated at The Donkin, The Boardwalk, Port Elizabeth International Airport arrivals as well as in Uitenhage. In addition welcome desks, tourism ambassadors and tours were provided for all cruise liners docking as passengers disembarked to explore Nelson Mandela Bay.
Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism confirmed, “We were ready for a busy summer holiday as Nelson Mandela Bay is fast becoming a destination of choice among travelers through providing convenience and accessibility to explore a variety of experiences.”
NMBT has established after the evaluation of the summer season statistics that flagship events contribute greatly to visitor numbers and spend in the destination.
For the summer period there were a total of 76 993 foreign bednights sold and a total of 973 334 domestic bed nights sold in 2014. This compares to 52 723 foreign bed nights sold and 959 876 domestic bednights sold for the same period in 2015. Whilst the figures show a slight decline in accommodation occupancy the income generated from tourism spend in the city had increased for the summer of 2015.
Ms Mandlakazi Skefile, CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, “Whilst NMBT saw success in sustaining the tourism contribution to the local economy for summer, we realize the city needs to gain new and retain flagship events such as the Rugby 7’s to increase the number of visitors to the city and thus increasing the tourism revenue even further.”
According to the NMB Sevens EIA 2014 report done by Grant Thornton there were a total number of 63 041 spectators spread over the two day event.
Nelson Mandela Bay’s Overall Income from the tourism sector for December 2014 was estimated at R 334 472 917.52. The income from those coming here specifically for the rugby 7’s event was estimated to be in the region of R 30 444 566.64.
As per Fayroush Ludick, Regional Manager: Communications, SANParks, “Addo Elephant National Park outside Port Elizabeth, noted a 4.4% increase in visitors – from 27 601 in December 2014 to 28 815 last year. The park also registered an 18.6% increase in the number of activities sold, up from 3 061 to 3 629. The Park’s entrance gate along the N2 just outside Colchester, Camp Matyholweni, continues to attract more visitors due to its accessibility from PE. Gate entry figures increased by 13% over the corresponding months.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile informs, “In conclusion, the occupancy stats at formal accommodation establishments gives us reason to believe that hosting major events in a city contributes greatly to tourism as well as the economy of our region. That is why NMBT supports the hosting of mega events which has the capacity to attract people from out of town. That we have lost out on these two events, had a negative impact as we could have seen a much bigger increase in revenue to the city. We are looking forward to events such as the boxing day cricket test match this coming summer season. We need to bid and host more of these events.”
Alan Straton
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