150-year-old Apple Express experience ‘unforgettable’ for learners
24 September 2010
“This exceptional machine is the longest narrow gauge steam train in the world that is still operating. Currently, most residents of Nelson Mandela Bay don’t make use of the opportunity to enjoy the Apple Express and the intention is to market the train amongst local residents,” said Titus Chuene, marketing manager of NMBT.
“Exposing the youth to the myriad of tourism products we have in the city instils both pride in those products and makes them future ambassadors for those products when they meet other tourists.”
Learners and teachers from 20 schools in Port Elizabeth and eight in Uitenhage enjoyed a successful trip on the Apple Express. A total of 180 passengers undertook the scenic journey to Loerie while learners were taught beadwork jewellery, interactive drumming and given an exhibition of the Khoi and the San culture.
Mervyn Jacobs, Tourism Teacher at Chapman High School, said the trip was the highlight of the year for learners who have tourism as a subject. “They are now exposed to one of our many attractions in Nelson Mandela Bay. The learners really enjoyed it and it is definitely an unforgettable experience for them.”
According to Siphosihle Mkoko from Douglas Mbopa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell the day was interesting since she learnt about different cultures that shares commonalities.
“It was a nice journey on the Apple Express and I will definitely encourage people in my community and school to also undertake the trip to Loerie,” she added.
Melisizwe Petrus from Limekhaya High School in Uitenhage says the day’s event taught him that people should get more involved in tourism so that the industry can grow. “The trip on the historic Apple Express gave me a practical experience of what I have learnt in Tourism classes during the year which focused largely on the improvement of the environment and the importance of understanding sound tourism activities.”
The day, which focused on marketing the Apple Express amongst local residents, was made possible by the East Cape Tourism and Parks Agency, Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism, Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Department of Education and the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund.
The Apple Express is also celebrating 150 years of operation this year. New NMBT chief executive, Mandlakazi Skefile attended the anniversary celebrations over the Heritage Day weekend where she implored the public and tourism operators to safeguard it as a crucial part of our heritage.
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