Work harder to promote tourism

TOURISM is frequently touted as a sure-fire economic panacea for Nelson Mandela Bay.

At a glance it is not difficult to see why. The metro, as residents know only too well, is endowed with a rich seam of natural beauty and wildlife – reason alone, we would say, to summon paying tourists from near and far.

On the cultural menu there is much to explore for those who enjoy a sprinkle of heritage in their travels.

And for families, there are a host of attractions – some fairly new additions to the municipality’s tourism bouquet – to keep paying visitors here for longer.

Sadly, the anticipated influx failed to materialise over the summer holiday season.

Those at the hospitality coalface placed the blame on our woeful economy, the drought and crime. The statistics tell the story. Compared to 2016, average occupancy fell by nearly 40 000 bed nights.

Foreigners accounted for about half the slump, which is disconcerting since they are generally more immune to our economic troubles.

Indeed, official numbers show foreign spending fell.

However, it was no different on the domestic front, which remains the biggest portion of our tourism market by far.

The only positive sign came from a slight increase in accommodation spend, attributed to higher room rates.

So, overall, it was a gloomy season and clearly officials have a great deal to mull over.

One area of concern is the poor showing by international guests. It suggests the metro still has its work cut out in marketing the Bay globally as a destination and not just a gateway to the broader region.

No doubt the Ironman events in April and September will help change the perception.

But beyond these two crowd-pullers, plenty of work lies ahead if the Bay has any hope of establishing itself as a destination of choice, bringing with it the jobs and economic relief the area so desperately needs.