NMB claims Bayworld as own
28 September 2010
“The people of our city showed that they care about the future of one of their tourism products this Heritage Day,” said Titus Chuene, marketing manager of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT).
“Whilst it is crucial that Bayworld has the support of government and business, it’s the people who actually go and experience what is on offer. Tourism is about people for people – and those who benefit from and contribute to tourism certainly showed their solidarity with the Save Bayworld Campaign this weekend.”
Bayworld officials said the total number of visitors over the weekend exceeded 2000 people. “On Heritage Day, we had a discounted rate for adults and children were invited in for free as part of the day’s celebrations and the Save Bayworld Campaign. We had 878 adults visit us with 680 children and a group of 140 children from the Transkei coming for a Bayworld experience, bringing the Heritage Day total to 1 698,” said Bayworld director Sylvia van Zyl.
Summerstrand domestic worker, Cynthia Kemele said brought her two children for their first ever Bayworld encounter. “I don’t have time to do this kind of thing with my children. I drive past Bayworld everyday, seeing it from the taxi window, on the way to work. I have often dreamt of brining them here – and decided to use the opportunity of Heritage Day to show them what is on offer at Bayworld.”
Her children, Phumi (3) and Siya (8) were overwhelmed with excitement after watching the seal show and exploring the museum.
Families milled about the Bayworld facility, which can trace its history back 154-years to a small room at the Feather Market Hall, where the museum was first opened. Schauderville couple Bertroix and Roberta Nelson brought two-year-old Sade for her first time visit.
“We heard about the Save Bayworld Campaign over the radio. We have had an amazing day, a great experience that has been both informative and educational especially for Sade, who has never seen a seal before,” said Bertroix, who is a machine operator at Volkswagen. “We can definitely see the value of Bayworld. It’s been around forever, when I opened my eyes (was born) it was here and I want the same for my child. It would be a very sad day if we lost Bayworld.”
Roberta added that this was one of the family-orientated tourism products in the city. “This is one of the things you can take your child to – otherwise there are a limited number of things to do in Port Elizabeth as a family.”
Others came to Bayworld because it was an affordable and enjoyable family trip. The Ngada family said they were impressed with the turnout. “We came here because we read in the newspaper that Bayworld needed more support and that it was free for children and cheaper for adults, so we brought the girls to come experience the beloved Bayworld,” said Phikelephi Ngada, a prison warder at St Albans.
I was shocked to discover how brave my kids are – they were not even afraid of a seal and this is the first time they have seen one, said Phikelephi whose wife, Patricia quipped that the children had obviously seen one in books, but that the real life experience was far more exciting and brought nature to life.
“This place is very valuable to the city, there will be a big hole if we loose Bayworld,” said Phikelephi while trying to drag Ayabulela (5) and Sisipho (3) away from the seal enclosure and on to the snake show.
Van Zyl said she was extremely humbled by the support Bayworld had received from the people of Nelson Mandela Bay. “We’ve been feeling the love from citizens. I was impressed by the diversity of our visitors and the great public response, what more can I say but thank you for showing how much you want Bayworld for the future.
Please wait!
