Tourism launches Save Bayworld campaign
19 August 2010
ONE of Nelson Mandela Bay’s most significant beachfront icons is under threat and Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) is stepping in to help save Bayworld.
The Save Bayworld Campaign has been identified by NMBT as a main feature during Tourism Month, which starts September 1, 2010 after a severe shortage of operational funds is threatening the survival of the facility.
“Tourism Month is all about creating an awareness of tourism products among our own people. How can we do this when one of the city’s most valuable assets – that has served the tourism industry so loyally for 154 years – is in crisis. As a city we need to rally together to save Bayworld and in doing so assist the authorities in ensuring the facility’s sustainability,” said NMBT marketing manager, Titus Chuene.
Chuene said it is not for NMBT to do this alone, but for the city to work together towards a common goal.
It has been reported in the media that financial constraints have reached critical stages and the Port Elizabeth Museum, Snake Park, Oceanarium and No 7 Castle Hill museum – which are incorporated under the banner of Bayworld – only have enough funds to see them through to the end of October 2010.
During Tourism Month, NMBT will start the Save Bayworld Campaign with a Day at the Races entitled “Surf ’n Turf” on September 10 at Fairview Race Course. It will further assist Bayworld in mobilising the private sector and members of the public to assist in whatever way they can.
“Bayworld is one of our iconic landmarks and forms part of the immense social, heritage and tourism capital in this city. It cannot be allowed to fail,” said Chuene.
“Citizens all over the world get behind their city treasures. We should be challenged and inspired by that and NMBT’s initiative. Therefore, we as Tourism, together with the people of the city, and further afield, need to do everything possible to ensure Bayworld survives,” added Chuene.
The municipality is supportive of the initiative. “For over 150 years, Bayworld has been an integral part of the cityscape and our lives. Its museum has educated our children and the oceanarium has provided endless entertainment to millions of visitors,” added Mayoral Committee Chairperson for Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Councillor Maria Hermans.
“We need to ensure that we support Bayworld for the future of our children,” she enthused, herself a new mum to a one month old baby girl.
The money raised during Tourism Month will be used to feed the variety of sea and land animals at the facility and also to medically care for the animals, said Bayworld director Sylvia van Zyl.
“We are literally living on the edge,” said van Zyl. “At the moment we cannot think further than our survival and the survival of our animals – but there is a long-term vision for Bayworld and for working together with the other museums in the city, like the Red Location and South End Museums.”
On the cards already, she revealed, are plans to develop a new and inclusive exhibition of the history of Nelson Mandela Bay region for the museum. “It’s not all about the animals here at Bayworld – our diverse cultural heritage and changes in the built and social landscape needs to be highlighted and celebrated.”
“The educational benefits of the facility are also crucial for the city. We have one of the biggest school-based programmes in the country, and this can grow exponentially. Not to mention the research and other education spin-offs we help facilitate here in conjunction with Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and other universities throughout the country.
“Essentially, Bayworld is a city treasure for tourism, education and conservation, and for Bay people whose children and children’s children will learn and be entertained here in the future.”
Other charity events would take place at the recently competed Bayworld Exhibition and Events Centre, which Bay locals would remember as the old Tropical House, over September.
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