Africa: As part of the City’s strategy to turn around the current state of the tourism industry and position the Nelson Mandela Bay as an ideal tourist destination within the region, the Directorate of Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) on Friday, June 10, 2022, launched the Tourism Clean-Up campaign at the Donkin Reserve.
The tourism industry has not only been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic but other factors such as crime, lack of new infrastructure, maintenance of existing infrastructure, vandalism, and the cleanliness of the region’s tourist hotspots.
These challenges need to be urgently addressed if the region is to fast-track the recovery of its tourism industry.
Speaking at the launch, the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Portfolio Head, Cllr Mkhuseli Jack, said that the experience of a tourist and, subsequently, their perceptions and beliefs regarding the destination rely largely on the cleanliness and safety of the destination, irrespective of the number of tourist attractions within a region.
“An unclean destination also creates a perception that the destination is unsafe and acts as a deterrent not just for tourists but also for residents,” said MMC Jack.
The City’s Tourism Recovery Plan highlights that safety and cleanliness remain big barriers to tourism growth.
lt further indicates that EDTA will, within its mandate, drive tourism and safety stakeholder engagements whilst implementing city beautification projects.
“The initiative will not only focus on the cleanliness of tourism destinations but also create employment opportunities for the needy and young people of Nelson Mandela Bay, “Cllr Jack said.
The following tourist sites have been identified as key sites to be cleaned up:
Bethelsdorp – Van Der Kemps Kloof, Groot Kloof, and Alms Houses area
- Central – Donkin Heritage Trail
- Central – Donkin Reserve
- Central – Baakens Valley
- Central – Fort Frederick
- Central – Route 67
- Humewood – Happy Valley
- Humewood – Beachfront promenade
- Nelson Mandela Bay Beaches – New Brighton, Summerstrand, Schoenmakerskop, Maitland’s, Seaview
- Nelson Mandela Bay Hiking Trails – Various locations
- Nelson Mandela Bay Heritage Sites and Monuments – Various Locations
- Richmond Hill – Stanley Street Precinct
- Summerstrand – Beachfront Promenade
EDTA will work for hand in glove with the Directorate of Public Health in implementing the project.
