Tourism operators needed

THE decision by the municipality to close down Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) and absorb its function is distressing, but at the same time unavoidable ("Municipality wants to pull plug on Bay tourism agency", September 3). The reasons behind the decision are distressing, among others that the municipality continues to be the main funder, 90% of the funding is used for operational expenses and only 10% for its core function, and virtually no significant support funding was forthcoming from the local tourism related industries.

Why this was the case? To a large extent blame must be laid at the door of the roleplayers in the local economy.

Tourists will go to destinations that are attractive, interesting and to a large extent specialising in a variety of products on offer. What does Port Elizabeth offer to tourists? Objectively viewed the answer is not too much when compared to other destinations.

When one visits the Garden Route the experience starts at the gateway, Plettenberg Bay, which offers many attractions, for example Monkey World, Bird World, Reptile Park, Puzzle Park, a winery and wine tasting etc. The rest of the Garden Route is packed with tourist drawcards. What about Port Elizabeth?

We have the beaches, a historical precinct and the nearby game parks.

However, this is insufficient to make the city a tourism drawcard.

Why are there seemingly more entrepreneurs with clever tourist orientated destinations (and making money!) in areas such as the Garden Route and why not more in Port Elizabeth? It is almost inconceivable that such a vast contrast exists and that nobody is stepping up to take advantage of the nil competition situation that exists in our city.

More tourists will have a compounding effect on the local economy. Perhaps a dynamic driver of tourism, like some of the great names of the past, is what was needed to steer the tourism agency and create tourism destinations in conjunction with the local roleplayers.

The industry can only prosper when dynamic entrepreneurs evolve and create the attractions that the city so desperately needs. That is the challenge.

Chris Roberts, DA councillor and economic development, tourism and agriculture spokesman, Port Elizabeth