Call for tourism walks in Bay

AN INVESTIGATION into Nelson Mandela Bay’s walking tours and a study into Ironman South Africa triathlon competitors were among the interesting research projects presented at the Tourism Educators South Africa (Tesa) Conference in Port Elizabeth this week.

The fourth edition of the annual conference, which was hosted at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on Thursday and yesterday, saw 26 research projects presented by tourism students from tertiary education institutions around the country.

Centred on the theme “Exploring today for tomorrow”, the conference, which traditionally hosts students selected to participate by their respective institutions, is directed at providing participants with the opportunity to network, gain experience and interact with industry experts, while sharing their research in the tourism and hospitality fields.

The students presented research on a number of topics, ranging from determining the “push and pull motives” for beach visitors, to tourists’ perceptions of crime on Durban’s beachfront.

North-West University student Esmarie Myburgh provided insight into potential marketing approaches she proposed as a result of her study into the difference between first-time Ironman South Africa participants and frequent competitors.

Her research, which she conducted at the last triathlon staged in PE, showed there were, among other findings, significant differences in spending behaviour, length of stay in the city, and differing motives for participation among the two groups.

Jaydé and Jordin Brooks, both of NMMU, tackled walking tours in Nelson Mandela Bay, with their research showing that although there was a major interest in this tourism offering, it was largely unknown among both the region’s residents and visitors.

The students proposed that major marketing and awareness campaigns be implemented by the municipal tourism authorities and independent tour operators to exploit this largely untapped tourism segment.