NMBT SHOWCASES AT WTM AFRICA

Leigh Katzen, Allen Cunningham and Titus Chuene utilising the platforms at WTM- Africa to discuss future collaborations.

In a bid to showcase Nelson Mandela Bay to international buyers and trade visitors, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) participated in the World Tourism Marketing - Africa (WTM) Market which took place from the 6^th to the 8^th of April 2016 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. 

WTM Africa is one of the continent's largest trade travel industry events and it in its third year. The vibrant and culturally diverse show that is mirrored on the well-known flagship event, WTM in London attracted approximately 500 international tourism industry buyers, 4500 trade visitors, 220 media, 7600 pre-scheduled appointments and 1700 exhibiting personnel from across Africa and the world. 

In order to optimise NMBT’s strategic operations to showcase the destinations attractions and world class facilities whilst keeping the costs to a minimum it decided to collaborate with our provincial stakeholders Eastern Cape Parks and tourism Agency (ECPTA).

Through sharing a stand with ECPTA it allowed NMBT to discuss future strategic objectives and collaborations. These collaborations include a special familiarisation trip itinerary that will showcase highlights to buyers and trade who visit the Eastern Cape to acquaint themselves with attractions and facilities.

Mandlakazi Skefile, Chief Executive Officer for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism said that the partnership with ECPTA not only allows them to share the costs of attending shows such at WTM Africa but also enabled them to collaborate and leverage off each other's connections to reach as many buyers, operators and media agencies at the show. 

"We had secured a large number of quality meetings in advance with cruise ship ground handler and had a number of quality contacts visiting our stand.” confirmed Ms Skefile

The meetings with cruise liner ground handlers and sales calls with Cape Town DMC’s allowed for positive interactions and sales calls to highlight Nelson Mandela Bay as the objective was to sell the city to these representatives to motive the inclusion of Nelson Mandela Bay in the tour package itineraries.

The three days at WTM were also packed with key and relevant seminars and presentations by sought after speakers on topics that are of key relevance to our industry. This year the show also had a strong focus on technology in the sector and the way in which it will ensure ease of travel for our visitors enabling us to stay on trend with competing destinations." added Skefile. 

"We were quite excited about our participation in this year's event because most of our meetings were at a stage where we were ready to close the deals that were initiated at previous trade shows. We expect these conversations to bear tangible results for Nelson Mandela Bay in the near future," concluded Skefile.