Top sporting line-up extends season for Bay
02 February 2011
“For some the summer is over, but for others it has just begun. Nelson Mandela Bay is quite proud of the fact that the many sporting and water events hosted here extend our season right into Easter,” said Mandlakazi Skefile, NMBT chief executive.
“Not only does this have significant spin-offs for our local tourism industry, but it raises the profile of the city and equips us to host even more top-class events.”
Nelson Mandela Bay is set to host amongst other events the acclaimed 87th Spar Redhouse River Mile and the endurance spectacular, Ironman South Africa – the only Ironman on the African continent – over the next three months.
The local rugby side, the Southern Kings, will also face the Cheetahs this coming weekend and the Lions on February 11 after an enthusiastic performance and a 23-7 win against the Bulls last week boosted their confidence.
“The upcoming weekend will also showcase how cycling is becoming a fast-growing forte within the city,” added Skefile.
Nelson Mandela Bay will become a hotbed of cycling this month as it prepares to host the South African Road Cycling championships from February 2 to 5, The Herald VW Cycle Tour over the weekend and a stage of the first Tour of South Africa on February 22. The SA Masters’ Games – which includes cycling – will also be held in Nelson Mandela Bay in April.
Leading up to the The Herald VW Cycle Tour on Sunday are a series of complementary events all marked by the power of two wheels, including the 30km Family Challenge, 3km Kiddies’ Challenge and 600m Toddlers’ Dash.
Nelson Mandela Bay also fancies itself as the Water Sports Capital of South Africa, quipped Skefile.
“Endless kilometres of beach, rivers and a stunning lake in front of the stadium – and a rising number of people who have made the water their home – make Nelson Mandela Bay the perfect place to experiment with: swimming, surfing, windsurfing, skiing, jet-skiing, rubber-ducking, diving, snorkelling, triathlon, surf-skiing, paddling or just frolicking amongst the waves,” said Skefile.
“We are also the proud home of many renowned, unique contests that involve our waters the like SpecSavers Ironman South Africa, the Spar Redhouse River Mile and weekly initiatives like the Ocean Racing Series. A good general interest in and love of the water from Nelson Mandela Bay residents demonstrates how water sports are an integral part of the daily lifestyle here.”
Given the fact that many of these events involve the beach, NMBT and the Beach Office have assured competitors and tourists that while some of the Bay beaches no longer carry the Blue Flag status, high standards would continue to be upheld.
The tourism industry also smiles over this extended season, noted Walter Passet, head of Port Elizabeth Metro Bed and Breakfast Association (Pembba), gaining high occupancy ratings and good tourist spend.
The Redhouse River Mile sees over 1000 competitors and their supporters pouring into the city and Ironman generates a massive economic injection for Nelson Mandela Bay. “The SpecSavers Ironman South Africa saw a total tourism turnover of R43-million last year, and expects to reach R48-million this year,” said Keith Bowler, managing director of Triangle Sports.
The average Ironman tourist spent approximately R1280 per day over a typical stay of seven and a half days, according to the South African Tourism Index.
“These figures illustrate the impact of events on the city in terms of cold hard cash, but there are plenty other positive impacts on tourism. The more successful events we host, the more the city learns. The 2010 FIFA World Cup proved that we are capable of great things, and each time we have yet another successful event in Nelson Mandela Bay the more the city benefits from good reputation and tourism kudos,” said Skefile.
“On this note we are hoping for a positive outcome for Nelson Mandela Bay on our bid to host the HSBC IRB Sevens World Series in December. This will be another feather in our event cap, should our bid be successful.”
The winning city would be announced on February 18, NMBT officials confirmed.
Author: Amy Shelver
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