Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism showcases the destination

In an ongoing effort to market Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) as the ideal holiday and business destination, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) has implemented variety of new strategies. Such strategies include hosting national and international media and bloggers. The visitors will experience a range of product offerings in the Bay from accommodation, activities and attractions which enables them to be a vehicle to carry the message about our destination to their respective audiences.

NMBT CEO, Ms Mandlakazi Skefile said, “NMBT hosts media as an innovative manner in which to market the destination while having a greater reach. This gives journalist and bloggers a firsthand experience enabling them to share authentic experiences across to their readers and followers.”

It is of great essence that NMBT remains pro-active, innovative and creative in order to continue to attract visitors and investment to the destination for economic and cultural development. During 2012 foreign direct spend amounted to R 920 081 556 (19%), sustaining 7 224 jobs while domestic tourism amounted for about 80.7% (R3.84 billion) of the overall direct spend (R4.76 billion) into the Nelson Mandela Bay’s economy sustaining over 30 000 jobs therefore in total accounting for over 37 000 jobs.

Weekend Weekly is a weekly magazine published in Hong Kong for more than 10 years, with an average of 70,000 copies sold every week. It is the Major travel-oriented weekly magazine in Hong Kong, including travel, eat and fashion, where travel is the main focus. Two representatives arrived on the 11 November and have requested to spend time on wildlife activities such as the South African Marine Rehabilitation and Education Centre (SAMREC) as well as Pumba Private Game Reserve.

Today’s traveler looks for experiences through travel blogs, which have become a source of inspiration for destination search and vacation planning. Present day research has shown that many tourists now base their decision on the recommendation or firsthand experiences shared by others through various social media streams such as blogs, twitter and Facebook for example.

Ms Skefile, NMBT CEO said, “In order to infiltrate these niche markets nationally and internationally, NMBT has resourcefully approached a marketing strategy of hosting “bloggers” therefore ensuring our competitiveness in a fast and dynamic industry”.

NMBT has hosted five trend setting bloggers that represent the travel and leisure industry from the 14-17th November. All of the guests have their own blogs and are highly active on social media streams. Highlights in the itinerary for bloggers will included a Hinterveld Mohair Tour in Uitenhage, Addo Elephant National Park, Route 67, Boardwalk Fountains and a Tshisa Nyama experience among others.

NMBT encourages all to follow the visitors on twitter during their stay, interact with them and see what they are experiencing.  They will be using the hashtag #PERocks in the run up, during and after their stay.  

The initiative of hosting influential partners has thus far gained tremendous mileage and a positive response. The city will continue to showcase the destination through media streams such as when hosting media during the IRB 7’s and beyond. To keep in touch with what is happening or share some of your own experiences follow NMBT on Facebook and twitter using the following links:
 www.facebook.com/nelsonmandelabay  or twiiter.com/NMandelabay


PHOTO: (Bloggers in NMB from left to right) Rachel Lang; Theresa Lozier; Heather Mason; NMBT CEO, Ms M Skefile; Merushka Govender; Dianne Tipping-Woods