Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is investigating all facts around the downscaling of the city’s iconic tourism products because their loss will impact negatively on its mandate to market the city.
This was the outcome of the NMBT board meeting late last week.
“We are gathering the latest information, so that NMBT can make a valuable contribution as the city’s primary tourism organisation. NMBT will assess how these icon’s can be developed rather than down-scaled or closed down,” said NMBT chairman Odwa Mtati.
The products include the Apple Express Train, Bayworld and NMB beaches losing their Blue Flag status.
Last year NMBT got the go ahead from Athletics SA (ASA) to revive the popular Great Train Race that saw thousands of athletes from all over the country pit their strength against the historic Apple Express. The revival of this race would add another event to the city’s event portfolio.
“Potential sponsors have shown interest. Also, we believe that Transnet has called for proposals to operate the Apple Express line. We are following up the details of the request for proposals with the appropriate contact person at Transnet in Johannesburg and the Apple Express Board, “The future of the Apple Express and current tender process by Transnet would obviously impact on the revival of the Great Train Race, an event that would breathe life into the historic train, that truly is one of a kind,” said Mtati.
In so far as Hobie Beach, Kings Beach and Wells Estate losing their internationally acclaimed Blue Flag status, the tourism authority took a board decision that it would work closer with the municipality’s beach office to support it in it’s efforts as it prepares to apply to have Blue Flag status re-instated. The application has to be submitted by June 2011.
“We are happy that the beach office has committed to maintaining the beaches at the same level of Blue Flag standards,” said Mtati.
Bayworld, Mtati said, is regarded as one of NMB’s top five tourism attractions. “It forms part of our heritage, provides education to thousands of learners and provides a valuable tourist attraction. We need to be realistic as we move forward, the dolphins are not coming back anytime soon, so collectively with other stakeholders NMBT will assess the current situation. This includes perusing agreements between stakeholders involved, like the municipality and Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture. Once we have done this, we will provide our input and offer solutions,” said Mtati.
He stressed that there was great potential for Bayworld to thrive, “NMBT trusts that with all stakeholders pulling their weight, together we will be able to turn things around.”
The NMBT board committed to further engagement with all stakeholders at national, provincial and local level to ensure the survival of these products.
“It’s all about co-ordinating efforts now,” said Mtati.
Alan Straton
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