MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

NMBT Responds to PE Cheetah ‘Attack’

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Dear Editor

In response to recent media reports about the attack of a Scottish tourist by a cheetah at a game park in Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay, I refer.

As CEO of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) and loving-local, it is hard for me to admit that even in a wonderful city like ours, unpleasant things do happen to tourists now and again. There is not a destination in the world that is immune to misfortune at some time or another.

Firstly, I would like to sympathise with all the families involved, and assure them of NMBT’s commitment that we do everything possible to ensure that tourists enjoy safe and memorable experience when visiting our city. All at NMBT are thankful that the injuries endured were not more serious.

Over the years the game reserve in question has contributed towards enriching the tourism experience for many, many tourists to the city. These reported incidents are unfortunate.

As the municipal tourism body responsible for promoting Nelson Mandela Bay, that includes Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Despatch, we would like to take this opportunity to not only promote the wonder and excitement of viewing wild animals, but point out that they are dangerous and unpredictable. Precaution needs to be taken at every turn by visitors, tourism businesses and authorities alike.

The photograph of Hagen Engler below was taken at the said game reserve in 2011 and it shows that tourists can still get up close and personal with a fence separating them from these gorgeous creatures.

Our tourists are our guests, so all city residents need to be alert and keep them safe at all times.

Yours in Tourism

Mandlakazi Skefile
CEO: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism

Hagen Engler and Cheetahs
Port Elizabeth journalist Hagen Engler admires cheetah at the Kragga Kamma game reserve.

Editor’s Notes: Dear tourist – you come here for the WILD animals and magnificent sunsets. Don’t EVER forget that Africa is not for sissies, if ever in doubt refer to the main reason why you come visit our stunning country – for the WILD animals. You are not experienced nor capable to handle any situation with a WILD animal so rather err on the side of caution no matter what anyone tells you!

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Port Elizabethan

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