Save your holiday!

You must be having so many conflicting thoughts about holidays in Nelson Mandela Bay. I would be having second thoughts. But please give me a few minutes of your time to give you my thoughts and perspectives on a holiday in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

My first thought is that, by comparison to most other coastal destinations that tend to attract large crowds throughout the season, we are more about wide-open spaces as a holiday spot. We have an abundance of activities that are, by their nature, more socially distanced and less crowded. 

Probably most importantly, you know that wherever you go, your holiday is as safe as you make it! Dr Martin Young, who runs an influential COVID-19 blog says that the majority of people who fall ill with the coronavirus have done something to catch it - been in a crowded or enclosed space, stood too close in a queue, haven’t socially distanced, haven’t washed their hands, haven’t worn their masks properly. Or someone close has been exposed (some heroes are obviously in daily contact with the virus and we thanks them for their awesome service). So, you can control your exposure to the virus wherever you go on holiday. 

We are tweaking our current holiday experiences and creating some new experience options for you that would fill your days with uncrowded fun.   There will be an App called Wide Open Spaces available to you from 16 December. It will give you holiday making options that you can fill your days with. Walk a trail, bike a valley, do a sunset on the dunes or learn to cook seafood at our lighthouse. There are so many options for every member of the family.

Along with that, we are working with our tourism businesses to up our game as the Friendly City and to show great care for your time with us. Many of us have walked the same path as you through the pandemic this year and we can imagine your fears and desires for this holiday! We have brainstormed your emotions that will be different to those from past holidays. Many of our tourism products will be signing up to a set of commitments by 16 December. I believe that these will guide us in being the most caring holiday destination this season. So, this commitment has been captured below.

Here’s what we are passionate about:
1. Showing empathy for you as a unique traveller who has, through a tough year, dreamed of this holiday.
2. Spending extra time to connect with you and help you to feel like a local.
3. Being concerned about your health and showing urgency should you require our assistance.  
4. Making NMB come alive for you by providing an exciting choice of activities and experiences, every day, through our advice and our App.
5. Being generous with our time and our service.
6. Helping you to create holiday stories that will become best selling social media posts.
7. Making sure that you miss us when you go home.

So please don’t write us off as a destination for your Summer Holiday. We know that it is a big decision for you. Just know that we have the kind of experiences that you will be comfortable with this year and that we are passionate about your holiday break with us.
Thanks and we hope that, whatever your choice, you have a revitalising and beautiful holiday and a super successful 2021! See you in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Cheers

Shaun van Eck and the Tourism Community of Nelson Mandela Bay