Development agency to put EC town on tourism map

THE establishment of the Port St Johns Development Agency (DA) has opened up the resort and fishing village - situated in the heart of the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast region - for major investments, believes ceo of the DA, Vuyisile Vena. According to him, a development plan for the town has been benchmarked on the best global practises. Vena travelled to Europe on a fact-finding mission and training programme to familiarise himself with the way it's done internationally. In developing the town, the aim will be to preserve the "unique appeal" of the village. As such, a heritage survey was conducted to identify sites and histroical buildings which should be preserved to keep that appeal. New developments will complement the existing attractions, emphasises Vena. Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) regional manager, Shaun Bartlett, was quoted on the Eastern Cape business development website as stating that there had been widespread interest by investors. (Adéle Mackenzie)