NMBT proud of huge Indaba spinoffs

NELSON Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is singing the praises of the South African tourism event of the year, Indaba 2011 – which took place last week in Durban – after the city tourism body, accompanied by a delegation of members, came back with new ideas and connections.

“Indaba 2011, what a success,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager. “We set out to use the opportunity to grow the NMBT database, pick up as many leads in the tourism industry through meetings with tour operators and the media, and market the destination through multimedia offerings – and we achieved just that with some huge potential spinoffs.”

Shortly after Indaba, NMBT hosted – together with the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) – a group of American journalists who were interested in touring the province and city. The group spent three nights in the city, visiting the local attractions and doing a city tour. They also went to the Addo National Elephant Park, Tsitsikamma, meandered the Garden Route and went on a pilgrimage to Qunu, birthplace of Nelson Mandela.

“This kind of exposure is crucial for the city, as we are really trying to market our name, Nelson Mandela Bay. Most people don’t know where or what Nelson Mandela Bay comprises of, so international and national exposure benefits the destination. We are also trying to leverage the 2010 FIFA World Cup exposure with international media and Indaba provided the unique opportunity to do so,” said Chuene.

NMBT and the municipality also sent Lyn Haller, chairman of the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourists Guides Association, to the Seatrade Africa Cruise Forum which took place from 10-12 May 2011 after Indaba to learn about and promote cruise tourism to Port Elizabeth in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Organised by Seatrade and held under the auspices of the Cruise Indian Ocean Association (CIOA) and the Province of KwaZulu Natal, the forum provided participants with invaluable insight into the issues facing the region in terms of port operations, infrastructure, hospitality, shore excursions and regulatory environment as well as examine the region’s own potential as a source market for cruise passengers.

Participants heard from cruise line experts on what they need to see from Africa in terms of port operations, infrastructure, hospitality, shore excursions and regulatory environment as well as the region’s own potential as a source market for cruise passengers. Collaboratively, there is great scope for cruise lines and regional stakeholders to work together to ensure that all cruise calls to the region are a first-class experience, said Chuene.

“This was the first time that this Convention has been held on African soil and therefore a huge step forward for South Africa and the rest of the African continent,” said Haller. “Seatrade are forecasting that by 2020 there will be a R15-million increase in Cruise Liner Tourism to Africa.

“Port Elizabeth is one of the ports along the coast between Cape Town and Durban that has been included in some of the cruise liner routes, which will mean future spinoffs for the city’s tourism economy.”

Seatrade are promoting Africa as the unchartered territory of cruise experiences, they used the following catch phrases in their marketing: “Africa – an exotic adventure not yet exploited” and “Africa: the last cruise frontier – let’s make it a destination”.

Haller said the message from Seatrade was very positive when it came to South Africa, but that growth in the industry would require investment and infrastructure to support it.

“They require a number of changes to make sure the cruise industry grows in our country: infrastructure to ensure harbour facilities can cope with the large cruise ships being built today; quayside safety; tourism police; wheelchair accessibility; information and craft kiosks; reception buildings to accommodate the arrival of passengers, and parking facilities for the coaches needed for excursions.

 “Security is a major factor, particularly for the East African coast because of piracy. Therefore it is not only security, but the methods of security that will play a huge role for cruise line companies – as well as standards and legalities of the services of the tour operators and tourist guides involved.”

Haller said the conference was very informative particularly around Seatrade operating systems and requirements. She will be addressing the NMBT Guides Association with the information for the benefit of local guides and job creation.
  
Joining the NMBT stand – at the Eastern Cape province section of the expo – were its members Kwantu Game Reserve, Summerstrand Hotel and Ectour. NMBT was also accompanied by a group of Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises which featured some of the city’s tourism offerings. The municipality sponsored four SMMEs’ attendance, including Emthandeni Guest House (KwaDesi), Rainbow Restaurant (KwaNobuhle), Djembe Heritage Initiative and Me Casa Guest House (Bluewater Bay). The ECPTA also sponsored Bay SMMEs Jama Tours and Jeya Jazz Corner attendance.

Highly regarded member of NMBT, The Plantation, also raised the bar nationally for the meetings, exhibitions and special events venues (MESE) after the premier venue won the prestigious tourism industry prize in the MESE category at the Welcome Awards 2011, held at Indaba.

Indaba is the largest tourism marketing event on the African calendar and one of the top three ‘must visit’ events of its kind on the global calendar.