With the country commemorating Tourism Month in September, peace and safety have been highlighted as catalysts to grow the tourism sector, says Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Deputy Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe.
At an event to celebrate Tourism Month which is commemorated annually in September, Lobishe called on all stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring peace and safety.
Tourism Month promotes domestic travel, showcasing the country's diverse tourism offerings, and to highlight the sector's significant contribution to the South African economy.
This year’s Tourism Month is celebrated under the theme: "Tourism and Peace-30 years of connecting people and cultures”.
Lobishe said the metro’s focus area for this year is not only tourism safety but also diversification of tourism products to bring about memorable experiences for tourists.
"We have a past where there was no peace and safety was only for a few. Some people were not allowed to travel freely and be tourists in their own country.
“In recognising our past and embracing our future, we need to work collaboratively to create a conducive environment for the world to come to our city and celebrate with us,” Lobishe said.
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To deliver a memorable Tourism Month, Lobishe said the metro has mobilised critical stakeholders in the areas of business, and these include safety and security such as the South African Police Service (SAPS), private security, the tourism industry like the Eastern Cape Tourism Board, and relevant government entities and local based tourism practitioners.
Lobishe said the municipality prides itself as the best in delivering cultural experiences, “an element that sets the metro apart from its competitors.”
She highlighted another positive addition to the metro tourism offerings, the booming cruise industry. Last year, the metro received 36 cruise vessels with a 45 80 0 combined number of passengers, with an estimated economic impact of R77 million.
This year, the metro expects a slight increase of 40 cruise vessels.
“We also want to improve on the number of days these cruise vessels spend in our metro so that more jobs can be created. It then becomes important that we improve on our offerings,” Lobishe said.
Tourism ambassadors
Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Shuling Lindoor said that as part of the metro’s efforts to improve on tourism safety, the directorate has hired more tourism ambassadors to work with the security cluster.
"Our primary focus is safety. We have put resources to complement the Tourism Month Safety Plan that is already in place, led by SAPS and the metro police. For tourists to have a memorable experience, safety is paramount,” Lindoor said.
Events
Meanwhile, as part of this year’s Tourism Month celebrations, the metro will host a National Cruise liner workshop to build relations and engage tourism operators on some of the metro’s unique tourism offerings.
The workshop will be held from 26-27 September and the Green Flag Trials - an offering that seeks to promote sustainable tourism - will be held on 28 September at the Van Stadens Reserve.
“Nelson Mandela Bay tourism offering would not be complete without good traditional food and heritage. Kasi Food Festival will give tourists that special experience that will also offer a good platform for township tourism to benefit.
“This event will be held in Zwide Township on 28-29 September 2024. The month will be closed on a high note at the Mendi Arts Centre through an interactive of the story of New Brighton,” the municipality said.
In between the planned major events and programmes, the metro will be partnering with different entities to deliver an exciting Tourism Month, and these include Tourism Awards, Premier Soccer League games and cultural events. – SAnews.gov.za
