Bay’s festive visitors inject almost R350m

But figures for foreign tourists show fewer came to the region

Nelson Mandela Bay experienced a bumper festive season with visitors to the region estimated to have spent more than R346-million during last month alone.

According to Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT), which released its statistics this week, the festive season was “busy with visitors, families and locals enjoying all the destination had on offer”.

NMBT public relations coordinator Reuann Smith said the December statistics reflected a general improvement compared with 2013 figures.

Pointing out that the figures were based on tourism offerings in only the Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage, Despatch and Colchester areas, Smith said an estimated 319 253 overnight visitors came to Nelson Mandela Bay.

These visitors spent in the region of R346 282 013, up from R309 000 272 the year before.

“There were 294 667 domestic overnight visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay, spending about R285 599 380, using 2013 indicators,” she said.

NMBT chief executive Mandlakazi Skefile said part of the strategy in attracting and increasing visitors to the Bay was based on research and feedback obtained from visitors and industry stakeholders.

- The Herald Reporter