NMBT board decision to support ailing tourism icons
03 February 2011
This was the outcome of the NMBT board meeting late last week.
“We are gathering the latest information, so that NMBT can make a valuable contribution as the city’s primary tourism organisation. NMBT will assess how these icon’s can be developed rather than down-scaled or closed down,” said NMBT chairman Odwa Mtati.
The products include the Apple Express Train, Bayworld and Bay beaches losing their Blue Flag status. Last year NMBT got the go ahead from Athletics SA (ASA) to revive the popular Great Train Race that saw thousands of athletes from all over the country pit their strength against the historic Apple Express. The revival of this race would add another event to the city’s event portfolio.
“Potential sponsors have shown interest. Also, we believe that Transnet has called for proposals to operate the Apple Express line. We are following up the details of the request for proposals with the appropriate contact person at Transnet in Johannesburg and the Apple Express Board.
“The future of the Apple Express and current tender process by Transnet would obviously impact on the revival of the Great Train Race, an event that would breathe life into the historic train, that truly is one of a kind,” said Mtati.
In so far as Hobie Beach, Kings Beach and Wells Estate losing their internationally acclaimed Blue Flag status, the tourism authority took a board decision that it would work closer with the municipality’s beach office to support it in its effort as it prepares to apply to have Blue Flag status re-instated. The application has to be submitted by June 2011.
Bayworld, Mtati said is regarded as one of NMB’s top five tourism attractions. “It forms part of our heritage, provides education to thousands of learners and provides a valuable tourist attraction. We need to be realistic as we move forward, the dolphins are not coming back anytime soon, so collectively with other stakeholder NMBT will assess the current situation. This includes perusing the service level agreement between NMBM and Bayworld. Then we will provide our input and offer solutions,” said Mtati.
He stressed that there was great potential for Bayworld to thrive: “NMBT trusts that with all stakeholders pulling their weight, together we will be able to turn things around.” The NMBT board committed to further engagement with all stakeholders at national, provincial and local level to ensure the survival of these products.
This week, in an effort to familiarise themselves with the city’s less mainstream tourism attractions some board members went on an educational city tour. The stops included the Airforce Museum, an inner city tour, a visit to Bethelsdorp and a drop in to check on construction of backpackers near the Red Location.
“This wasn’t a run of the mill city tour, but focused on tourism heritage, history and development plans for the Northern Areas and other key tourism nodes,” said NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile, who was joined by Port Elizabeth Airport manager Azad Cassim, Zola Tshefu, of Lelibo Investment, Mike Callaghan, secretary of Bay tourist guide association, Bradley Levack, director of Djembe Heritage Initiatives and two members of NMBT, Jonker Fourie and Sadie Isaacs.
Author: Amy Shelver
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