NELSON MANDELA BAY TOURISM LAUNCHES TOURISM MONTH ACTIVITIES

Wednesday 4th September 2013 marked the exciting Tourism Month launch by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) on board the Jester. Tourism Month is a celebration held in September on an annual basis to focus on the importance of tourism to the economy of South Africa. With this in mind NMBT unveiled a calendar of events to stakeholders, industry and media partners in collaboration with South African National Parks (SANParks) who launched their annual “open week”.

The focus of Tourism Month 2013 by NMBT will be to encourage and educate local products and citizens of the tourism offerings of the destination. “We want to encourage locals to explore and enjoy all that Nelson Mandela Bay has to offer and therefore instill a sense of local pride.” emphasized Ms Skefile, NMBT CEO.

Highlights on the Tourism Month calendar include a Route 67 guided walk, an informative Art Route walk as well as a Cape Receife experience of the lighthouse, donkey cart ride and zip lining to name but a few. NMBT Marketing Manager, Mr Titus Chuene expressed “These are all great family friendly events for the public to get involved in and we look forward to them contacting us for more information”.

In addition the Centenary calendar of events for the year was also shared which encourages locals and visitors to participate in the festivities throughout the year in celebrating the milestone of Port Elizabeth being a municipality for 100 years. Highlights on the Centenary calendar include, the Urban Run in September, Food Cheese and Wine Festival in October, Rugby Sevens in December and many more as per the events calendar on www.nmbt.co.za

Tourism Month 2013 will focus on encouraging locals to travel within their own city and to get a better understanding of the affordable and exciting attractions available to them on their own doorstep. There is no better time than Tourism Month to start spending time with family and friends while exploring the city. South African locals can go to Addo Elephant National Park for free in the open week with an official identity document or participate in the many activities planned by NMBT. The launch on board the Jester cruising around the bay was a fabulous tourism activity in itself while creating awareness of future activities and attractions.

Information booklets shared are available to public at any of the NMBT Visitor information centers situated at the Boardwalk, the Donkin and Airport arrivals. The Nelson Mandela Bay Pass Cards can also be purchased at any of the Visitor Information Centers and allow free and discounted rates to various attractions and activities throughout the destination. Locals will find the 5 in 1 pass ideal to explore the city as it has a choice of any five of the attractions and activities advertised and can be used on any day within the 3 month period. For more information about the Nelson Mandela Bay Pass and how to enjoy Nelson Mandela Bay throughout the year visit http://www.nelsonmandelabaypass.co.za

The aim is to increase awareness of the tourism and hospitality industry’s economic, cultural and social contributions to Nelson Mandela Bay. This is where it is vital for locals to become proud ambassador of our destination as all locals and stakeholders have a responsibility to the economic impact tourism has on the city. Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism invites all locals to participate and “Experience…..the Spirit of Freedom.”