MANAGEMENT of Billabong SA, the Kouga Municipality and the various surf clubs in Jeffreys Bay met last week to discuss the impact the downgrading of the Billabong Pro J-Bay will have on the town.
The six-star ASP World Qualifying Tour (WCT) event that is to be hosted by Billabong at Super Tubes is seen by the locals and the municipality as a lower graded event and therefore not worthy of being staged at the world famous right hand break Super Tubes. It is also believed that the loss of income and prestige will have a very negative impact on tourism in the area and surrounds. However, Billabong SA general manager Ernest Bendeman believes the event will be as good in terms of the economic impact and that many more visitors will attend.
Portfolio councilor, Virginia Cameleo Benjamin said they are waiting for more information from Billabong especially regarding the dates, before they will decide on the way forward. – Cindy Liebenberg
The six-star ASP World Qualifying Tour (WCT) event that is to be hosted by Billabong at Super Tubes is seen by the locals and the municipality as a lower graded event and therefore not worthy of being staged at the world famous right hand break Super Tubes. It is also believed that the loss of income and prestige will have a very negative impact on tourism in the area and surrounds. However, Billabong SA general manager Ernest Bendeman believes the event will be as good in terms of the economic impact and that many more visitors will attend.
Portfolio councilor, Virginia Cameleo Benjamin said they are waiting for more information from Billabong especially regarding the dates, before they will decide on the way forward. – Cindy Liebenberg