Search for Bay icon continues

THE first phase of the I love NMB competition is drawing to a close and Nelson Mandela Bay locals have expressed their opinions on what the best and most love city icons are, adding their voices to the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism icon campaign.

During October NMBT partnered with Avusa media to feature some of the city’s most loved icon spots. The Weekend Post featured stories on the Donkin Reserve as the “Balcony of the Bay”, the stadium and the people who make it an icon, Masterton’s iconic placement on Russell Road and its even more distinguishable aromas, the vibe at township tourism icon, Jeya’s Jazz Corner Tavern, and lastly this week will look at VWSA’s pavilion and other heritage sites in Uitenhage and Despatch.

Over 200 people entered the SMS competition highlighting what they love most about Nelson Mandela Bay. Coming out tops are the beaches, the Donkin Reserve, the Stadium, Shark Rock Pier, the people, the friendliness, cleanliness, The Boardwalk, Addo Elephant National Park and the fact that it is a 15-minute city.

But Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism is asking locals to continue nominating what they think the next icon should be and to push the boundaries of creativity.

“There are many hidden gems in our city – we want you to help us discover and uncover potential icons in waiting,” said NMBT chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile. “The Despatch Chimneys, the wind turbine at Coega, the Sunday’s River, anything can be an icon, if you view your world with fresh eyes.”

Nelson Mandela Bay is now taking the icon campaign and I love NMB competition national and even international ahead of the summer season in the city and will source information from visitors as to why they love the city, what they love most and what they think the icon should be.