CEO's Thoughts On... Bouquets for the Bay

When tourism related businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay win awards, it’s also a prize opportunity for the city.
The latest Nelson Mandela Bay tourism related business to receive acknowledgement for its service and excellence is The Plantation - one of the highest rated wedding venues in South Africa.

The Plantation received a gold award in the African Bridal Industry Academy (ABIA)’s Coastal Bride’s Choice Awards - for the KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape regions – as the top wedding reception venue, with a rating of 99.58% - higher than any in the country. And, it’s not the first time. It also won the national Bride’s Choice award in 2009, 2010 and 2011.  They also won a Welcome Award in 2010 in the MESE (Meetings, Exhibitions and Special Events Venues) category.
It adds substantial value to a tourism destination when tourism businesses win awards for excellence in their respective fields. And it certainly assists Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) when marketing the city to be able to say that we are a destination with award-winning establishments, activities and attractions.

We are not afraid to brag and The Plantation’s latest award gives us more to add to our brag book. This confidence and commendation of one of the city’s attractions showcases our offerings on a national level. This type of exposure brings the city to the foreground, showcasing the city’s achievements and commitment to excellence to a larger scaled audience – in turn pulling people in from all around for a visit.

Other recent award-winning establishments include Addo Afrique and Shamwari being added to Tripadvisor’s excellence awards list.

We are proud of our members when they achieve like this and encourage more and more businesses to enter competitions. It’s not just a bouquet for the business, but a bouquet for the Bay. Well done to all our award-winning establishments. And, do keep bringing the trophies home.