In A bid to grow the city’s economy Buffalo City Metro (BCM) has identified event hosting as one of the key strategies to increase visitor numbers and create short-term employment.
The city has allocated an estimated R19-million in the draft budget for tourism events in the 2016-17 financial year.
Mayor Alfred Mtsi’s spokesman Sibusiso Cindi said the funding would be used for hosting and supporting events.
“It is important to note that the budget is still a draft and was not approved yet as the municipality is currently finalising its budgeting processes,” Cindi said.
Cindi said the metro aim to host any event that meets the legal framework and that did not contravene the constitution of South Africa.
“The events must contribute towards economic growth and attract people into the city and it must give the city maximum positive media exposure,” he said.
The metro recently called on promoters and event organisers to submit proposals for possible partnering and funding to host events.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said the metro was looking at providing both financial and in-kind support towards events that would be selected.
Matebese said the metro had identified events as one of the strategies it could use to contribute to growing the local economy by increasing visitor numbers to the city and creating short-term employment. “Events provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent,” he said.
“They contribute towards business development as goods and services to be used will be sourced locally. They provide the city’s brand with maximum exposure and assist in positioning the city as a destination of choice.”
He said the terms of partnership will be guided by what the event can contribute towards the above-mentioned focus areas.
The executive director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, Les Holbrook said the metro’s strategy and intention was well-received and welcomed, however, there was concern that the amount allocated was not enough.
“It must also be more about meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions rather than just tourism.
“If however, local entities such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation can top this fund with an equal amount, R38-million was a much more practical amount,” he said.
The manager at Sesethu Lodge in Quigney, David Pape, said the metro’s strategy was “brilliant”.
East London’s Lima Events and Promotions’ Cindy Williams said the metro’s calls for proposals to be submitted would ensure equal opportunity to all event companies and promoters. “At least this process will ensure that everyone who is interested will get an opportunity to showcase what they can do instead having the same company or person benefit,” Williams said.
Terms of reference for those who are interested in submitting their proposals can be obtained at the metro’s tourism department offices,located at the fire department in Fleet Street or at 27 Taylor Street in King William’s Town.
Events plan to boost tourism
The city has allocated an estimated R19-million in the draft budget for tourism events in the 2016-17 financial year.
Mayor Alfred Mtsi’s spokesman Sibusiso Cindi said the funding would be used for hosting and supporting events.
“It is important to note that the budget is still a draft and was not approved yet as the municipality is currently finalising its budgeting processes,” Cindi said.
Cindi said the metro aim to host any event that meets the legal framework and that did not contravene the constitution of South Africa.
“The events must contribute towards economic growth and attract people into the city and it must give the city maximum positive media exposure,” he said.
The metro recently called on promoters and event organisers to submit proposals for possible partnering and funding to host events.
BCM spokesman Thandy Matebese said the metro was looking at providing both financial and in-kind support towards events that would be selected.
Matebese said the metro had identified events as one of the strategies it could use to contribute to growing the local economy by increasing visitor numbers to the city and creating short-term employment. “Events provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talent,” he said.
“They contribute towards business development as goods and services to be used will be sourced locally. They provide the city’s brand with maximum exposure and assist in positioning the city as a destination of choice.”
He said the terms of partnership will be guided by what the event can contribute towards the above-mentioned focus areas.
The executive director of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business, Les Holbrook said the metro’s strategy and intention was well-received and welcomed, however, there was concern that the amount allocated was not enough.
“It must also be more about meetings, incentives, conference and exhibitions rather than just tourism.
“If however, local entities such as the Eastern Cape Development Corporation can top this fund with an equal amount, R38-million was a much more practical amount,” he said.
The manager at Sesethu Lodge in Quigney, David Pape, said the metro’s strategy was “brilliant”.
East London’s Lima Events and Promotions’ Cindy Williams said the metro’s calls for proposals to be submitted would ensure equal opportunity to all event companies and promoters. “At least this process will ensure that everyone who is interested will get an opportunity to showcase what they can do instead having the same company or person benefit,” Williams said.
Terms of reference for those who are interested in submitting their proposals can be obtained at the metro’s tourism department offices,located at the fire department in Fleet Street or at 27 Taylor Street in King William’s Town.
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