Bay launches eclectic tourism programmes heavily slanted towards promoting heritage

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality launched an eclectic programme mix, heavily slanted towards promoting heritage, encourage local tourism and economic development at the Groot Kloof Nature Reserve in Bethelsdorp today.

Mkhuseli Jack, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, said the choice of venue for the launch and the planned Tourism Month events, some aligned to benefit from the cruise liner industry, will go a long way towards encouraging greater economic participation and manifesting self-awareness and pride.

"Steve Biko used the phrase ‘mental empowerment’ in the context of taking pride in your heritage and lineage as well as being self-aware. It is important as we are tasked with the responsibility of hosting and developing inclusive programmes in order to highlight tourism opportunities for small businesses and prospective entrepreneurs.

"By developing domestic tourism products and effectively market unique experiences, we will attract tourists and simultaneously generate economic opportunities,” MMC Jack said.

As part of the programme, the city will also launch three new community-based tourism experiences.

These are:

1.       Bethelsdorp Khoi Experience (Groot Kloof Nature Reserve)

2.       Walmer Township Historical Experience, and;

3.       New Brighton Xhosa Cultural Experience

Akorn Destination Management, a company that works closely with visiting cruise liners, will be offering these local experiences to tourists docking in the Bay.

Paul Bruning, Akorn’s Director of Cruise Sales and Projects for Sub-Saharan Africa said Nelson Mandela Bay is an important cultural destination.

"Nelson Mandela Bay is not just a springboard to malaria-free reserves/game parks but also an important cultural destination with the infrastructure to develop authentic experiences that can potentially bring economic growth into the communities most in need. 

"Opportunities exist for young people to enter into the tourism sector with a view to ultimately developing their own businesses to expand the economic impact created by the increase in tourism visitor numbers.

"The Public/Private partnerships forged as a result of the city’s strategy will benefit all and not just those involved.

"We are truly engaged in Nation Building and I am proud to play a small part in this going forward,” Bruning said.

A rhino conservation awareness drive, towards the end of September, also forms part of the programme.

Andrew Stewart, Chairman of Discover Mandela Bay Tourism Partners, said a successful and inspirational Tourism Month programme has never been more needed in our city.

"As with rugby players feeling battered after a match, we need some coaching, inspiration and a better game plan. The international theme of Rethinking Tourism is our driving motivation for this year, and we look forward to inspiring rejuvenated players to take us beyond our market share in 2019.

"As we collaborate closely and effectively with EDTA, we need our tourism business to collaborate together and with the hymn sheet that our Board is creating. As the song goes, if we get this right ‘there’s gonna be a bright, bright sunshiny day. Let’s do this together!” Stewart added.

For more information, please refer to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism websites and social media pages.