East London is expected to rock to the rooftop this weekend as the natural after-party venue for the University of Fort Hare centenary celebrations.
Buffalo City Tourism is catering for an inflow of 7000 alumni, politicians and VIPs.
Sibusiso Cindi, spokesman for Buffalo City Metro (BCM) mayor Alfred Mtsi, said once formal proceedings concluded in Alice, East London’s hotels, restaurants and bars could expect an economic boost.
“People will be looking for places where they can just let their hair down.”
He said early reports from hotels were of occupancy rates of 90% to 100%, with establishments charging between R1050 and R1300 for bed and breakfast. “Direct benefits will be felt in accommodation, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies and car hire companies. There will be indirect benefits for petrol stations, the retail sector and tourist attractions.
“Buffalo City is blessed with world-class tourism facilities and we are ready to entertain the numbers that will flock into our city. There will also be media who will cover the centenary.”
He said that because of the significance of the event, the provincial Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) was leading the tourism effort, with BCM Tourism acting as a partner.
ECPTA chief marketing officer Nopasika Mxunyelwa said the university’s impressive alumni database extended across Africa to the world and recent SA Tourism statistics were that an average spend per visitor was R1300 a day for accommodation, transport, meals and entertainment.
“This will definitely have positive spin-offs for the Eastern Cape tourism sector. ECPTA is proud to be associated with an iconic continental and global brand that is 100 years old.”
Grant Sandham, group sales and marketing manager for Premier Hotels & Resorts, said: “The East London area has the capacity and infrastructure to host large events which are of significant benefit to the local economy.
“We need to proactively market and correctly position East London as a viable destination for major events.”
Imonti Tours operator Velile Ndlumbini said they were not involved in the celebrations. “I think organisers should have worked with local tourism organisations on different packages which could be offered to visitors attending the celebrations.
“Most of the hosts call us at the last minute enquiring about what we can offer to their guests. I don’t even know who is coming for the celebrations. To me it’s business as usual.” — mikel@dispatch.co.za
City cashes in on Alice party
Buffalo City Tourism is catering for an inflow of 7000 alumni, politicians and VIPs.
Sibusiso Cindi, spokesman for Buffalo City Metro (BCM) mayor Alfred Mtsi, said once formal proceedings concluded in Alice, East London’s hotels, restaurants and bars could expect an economic boost.
“People will be looking for places where they can just let their hair down.”
He said early reports from hotels were of occupancy rates of 90% to 100%, with establishments charging between R1050 and R1300 for bed and breakfast. “Direct benefits will be felt in accommodation, restaurants, tour operators, travel agencies and car hire companies. There will be indirect benefits for petrol stations, the retail sector and tourist attractions.
“Buffalo City is blessed with world-class tourism facilities and we are ready to entertain the numbers that will flock into our city. There will also be media who will cover the centenary.”
He said that because of the significance of the event, the provincial Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) was leading the tourism effort, with BCM Tourism acting as a partner.
ECPTA chief marketing officer Nopasika Mxunyelwa said the university’s impressive alumni database extended across Africa to the world and recent SA Tourism statistics were that an average spend per visitor was R1300 a day for accommodation, transport, meals and entertainment.
“This will definitely have positive spin-offs for the Eastern Cape tourism sector. ECPTA is proud to be associated with an iconic continental and global brand that is 100 years old.”
Grant Sandham, group sales and marketing manager for Premier Hotels & Resorts, said: “The East London area has the capacity and infrastructure to host large events which are of significant benefit to the local economy.
“We need to proactively market and correctly position East London as a viable destination for major events.”
Imonti Tours operator Velile Ndlumbini said they were not involved in the celebrations. “I think organisers should have worked with local tourism organisations on different packages which could be offered to visitors attending the celebrations.
“Most of the hosts call us at the last minute enquiring about what we can offer to their guests. I don’t even know who is coming for the celebrations. To me it’s business as usual.” — mikel@dispatch.co.za
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