NMBT celebrates Humewood beach blue flag status

HUMEWOOD Beach is once again flying its flags at full mast, after it was announced last week that it has regained its internationally recognized Blue Flag status.

“Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism’s mandate is to market the city as a preferred tourism destination - regionally, provincially, nationally and internationally. And, we can only do this effectively if the organization has valuable and appealing assets to market. A Blue Flag beach is certainly one such asset. A beach as beautiful as Humewood Beach, with its clean golden sand and waves of the warm Indian Ocean lapping the sand is an added bonus” said acting Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) CEO, Cheryl Witte at the Nelson Mandela Bay Blue Flag launch this Tuesday.

Humewood Beach was the first in South Africa to have ever been awarded Blue Flag Status and maintained this status since inception in 2001 till earlier this year. The strict terms and conditions that apply were noted when it lost its status for a short while. “The challenges identified by Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (Wessa) were promptly addressed and it is with pride that I stand here today to say well done to all those concerned in regaining what the beach so rightfully deserves” Witte noted.

She continued by saying that it was important to note that Humewood is part of Nelson Mandela Bay’s 80km of unspoilt beaches and that apart from the wide variety of offerings that include marine diversity, maritime heritage such as shipwrecks and settler shipping history, it is undoubtedly one of the best beachfronts in South Africa.

Witte said that Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism was anticipating an excellent summer season with well attended tennis, chess and the International Rugby Sevens tournaments.  “The season kicks off to an early start with international singing sensation Josh Groban entertaining fans at the magnificent Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on the 2nd of December followed by South Africa’s award winning Jazz and Afro-pop singer Judith Sephuma on the 3rd at the Nangoza Jebe Hall in New Brighton.”

The Blue Flag is the golden standard for beaches around the world and cities aspire to this status, because if their beaches receive it, it plays a vital role in attracting tourists. Blue Flag status gives local and foreign visitors the assurance that the beach is clean, environmentally sound and easy access to amenities. Spin-offs include an increase in visitors to the city, improved behaviour on the part of beach-goers and an increase in property value near Blue Flag beaches.

Witte said that Nelson Mandela Bay certainly is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and that this international stamp of approval meant a lot because local and foreign tourists were assured that if they visit a Blue Flag beach they can expect a stretch of sand and surf that adheres to international safety and other tourist standards. “It is also important to emphasize that Blue Flag status represents safety, which is all-important to beach-goers and sun-seekers. Humewood is an iconic family-orientated beach to which young and old flock all year round.

She noted the celebration was the result of working partnerships formed between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the beach office, tourism product owners and NMBT.  She applauded the Nelson Mandela Bay Hoteliers Forum’s pledge of support to various initiatives focussed on ensuring that the current Blue Flag status is maintained.  Witte said that the energy of the above mentioned partnerships should not end with this initiative but should be continued and extended to other tourism related challenges faced by the city.