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

What is the ONE Thing that Defines Port Elizabeth?

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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 what is it about Nelson Mandela Bay that makes it special,” queried NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile.

“Over the years we at NMBT have identified 101 reasons why we love Nelson Mandela Bay. Now, the time has come to identify just one – one special thing that stands out among the many others. The time has come for Nelson Mandela Bay to find its Table Mountain, its Big Hole, its Eiffel Tour, its Rocky Mountains. The search is on for an icon.”

The initiative is part marketing genius, part patriotic as it appeals to Nelson Mandela Bay locals to get active and share their feelings of what they love about the city. The whole idea’s got a lot of heart, say tourism officials.

“Many people don’t think that what they do and love every day is something a tourist would enjoy – but research is showing that tourists want to share authentic lived experiences while on holiday. So a beer at Rainbow tavern or tackling a huge pasta at Angelos on Parliament Street could actually be a genuine tourist activity,” said Skefile.

Tourism Month is a time set aside on the national calendar for locals to appreciate what their towns, cities and villages offer to tourists. It encourages locals to become tourists and see their cities with fresh eyes.

“Getting people to love their city and to say why they love their city is a great way to market a destination and get a patriotic buzz going amongst people of Nelson Mandela Bay.

“It also gives consumer insight into what our most loved city activities and icons are; and what’s more, these insights come from those who know the city best, our locals. The insights provided by the initiative will help form the basis of an overarching year-long campaign, 101 Reasons to Love Nelson Mandela Bay.”

The events calendar for Tourism Month is jam-packed, with the upcoming Red Location Jazz Festival topping the list. The Jazz Festival, hosted by NMBT, features top local jazz talent and is part of a drive to increase township tourism in the city. It takes place as a day event on Sunday, September 11 at the Red Location Museum.

“We have such vibrant and bustling townships in our city, but except for a couple of township tours – mainly aimed at foreigners – many local people don’t often experience the interesting diversity on our doorstep. The main aim of the Red Location Jazz Festival is to get our locals passionate about tourism opportunities in our townships by spending a relaxed day at a township-based event.”

Included on the line up are Cola Jazz band, Mo Jazz, Jazz Diva, Sunrise Jazz Band, Siseko & Friends, Titi Luzipho & Echos of Africa, Take Note and DJ Percy. Local taverners have partnered with NMBT and will provide refreshments. Pre-sold tickets are on sale at Barbara’s Lounge, Anza’s and at NMBT’s Visitor Information Centres around the city for R30 and are R40 at the door.

For the rest of Tourism Month, NMBT is supporting initiatives taking place around the city, including: International Arbour Week, National Parks Week, the Judo for Peace Open Championship, the Mandela Bay Development Agency’s Lifestyle Conference which features the launch of the Route 67 tourism walk and Urban Run; it is also supporting the Nelson Mandela Bay Pride, Northern Arts and New Brighton Wine festivals.

"Kabega Park it Like it's Hot" says Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT chief executive, whose city icon and place she loves most is the Donkin memorial. Joining her is competition prize sponsor Shamwari Game Reserve's Ndodana Mpalo, which is sponsoring a two night getaway for the winner.
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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.