Drive to promote tourism speeds up in Overberg

HOW to promote local tourism without the budget to buy reliable wheels? This shortcoming posed a real problem for the Western Cape's Overberg Tourism, a non-profit organisation and the official regional tourism organisation promoting tourism on behalf of the Overberg District Council.
"Our existing car had more than 220 000km on the clock and had definitely seen better days," said tourism manager, Jolene Britz, "and it's essential that we have a reliable car to help us effectively promote the region.
"We didn't however have the funds for a new car so after discussing a variety of options, none of which worked, we decided to approach businesses in the Overberg for sponsorship of the monthly instalments on a new vehicle.
"The response and support from the business sector was fantastic! With the generous sponsorship we have acquired so far, we were able to purchase a car in September and paid its first instalment earlier this week."
In exchange for the R1 500 monthly payment, a magnetic decal of the sponsor's logo is displayed on the car together with Overberg Tourism's logo and the words 'Supports Overberg Tourism' in English and Afrikaans.
"The sponsors get good coverage for their money because we cover the region extensively. Their logo is seen by thousands of people in the Overberg and Cape Metropolitan Area," Britz added.
To date, Tin Can Advertising Works (based in Hermanus) sponsored the first month, Die Herberg Resort and Conference Centre in Waenhuiskrans is sponsoring January 2001, Arabella Country Estate from Kleinmond is sponsoring July and August 2001 and Parmalat has guaranteed to sponsor the car for some months in 2001.

(Elizabeth Sheridan)