NMBT takes ‘Green Bay’ to Meetings Africa

NELSON Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) representatives are off to Meetings Africa this weekend with the aim of showcasing the city’s green business and meetings industry offerings. NMBT is joined by The Boardwalk Convention Centre, Hotel and Spa which is due to open in December 2012.

The joint stand will showcase Nelson Mandela Bay’s range of services and products for the meetings industry and The Boardwalk’s plans for the latest big development for the city’s tourism and meetings sector.

“We have chosen the green angle for a number of reasons,” said Titus Chuene, NMBT marketing manager. “Firstly, the city has a growing number of meetings and conference locations that are committed to responsible tourism – for both business and leisure.

“Or other venues are located in areas that feature nature, are dedicated to ethical payment of staff, and adhere to energy saving technology.

“As we move forward as an industry we have to incorporate responsible tourism both in reaction to the demands set by responsible tourists from across the world and our own loyal commitment to protecting people, the environment, prized tourism products and activities like the beach, nature reserves and promoting energy conscious across the tourism industry.”

In sticking with the tourism body’s theme of “A seamless combination of business and leisure across the green spectrum”, NMBT’s stand at Meetings Africa is going green.  The stand is being designed by a local company, PeriExpo whilst green pens, manufactured by local arts and crafts company Dikeni, will be handed out at the stand and a limited number of recycled NMBT banner bags will be given away.

“We want to introduce our green Bay to Meetings Africa and the meetings industry,” added Chuene. “This meetings initiative is a great opportunity for Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism to expose the offering of our products and other service provider that promote and work within the meetings industry. 

“This will have spin-offs for attractions and other service providers within the tourism industry. Our objective in our meetings is to introduce what the region has to offer to clients. We also aim to make important contacts, grow a lucrative network, and negotiate and secure business for the Nelson Mandela Bay meetings industry.”

Also South African’s Tourism’s UK Business Tourism Manager, Donna Abberley, will be hosting a pre-Meetings Africa tour to the Eastern Cape. Accompanying her are seven international UK buyers who will have a sneak preview of the province and Nelson Mandela Bay before jetting off to attend Meetings Africa. “This will hopefully give us an advantage before we head up to Meetings Africa on Friday,” said Chuene.

Meetings Africa organisers have also adopted a number of event greening initiatives for the show, such as recycling, running a drink tap water campaign and purchasing renewable energy to power the show.

Meetings Africa is South African Tourism’s marketing platform which platforms Southern Africa’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) industry to both local and international buyers. Meetings Africa targets those who travel for business or book business travel as well as organisers of events, conferences, meetings, team incentive trips or teambuilding activities. It takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg from February 28 to March 1. More info: www.meetingsafrica.co.za/.

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The 2002 Cape Town Declaration on Responsible Tourism in Destination defines Responsible Tourism as follows:
“Responsible Tourism is tourism which: 


• minimises negative economic, environmental and social impacts

• generates greater economic benefits for local people and enhances the well-being of host communities
• improves working conditions and access to the industry
• involves local people in decisions that affect their lives and life chances
• makes positive contributions to the conservation of natural and cultural heritage embracing diversity

• provides more enjoyable experiences for tourists through more meaningful connections with local people, and a greater understanding of local cultural, social and environmental issues

• provides access for physically challenged people

• is culturally sensitive, encourages respect between tourists and hosts, and builds local pride and confidence

• is integrate in the local ecosystem.”