The US and Australian markets drew special attention at the Welcome Workshop and Tourism Trade Engagement session held by Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) in partnership with South African Tourism (SAT) in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The workshops are a platform where stakeholders share insights and information on tourist markets that are attracted to the profile of the Eastern Cape.
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The biggest drawcard for Australians and Americans, said Doné Louw, NMBT Co-ordinator – Trace and Destination Pass, were the Garden Route and land- and marine-based safari options available in the province and specifically in Port Elizabeth.
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According to the Eastern Cape Tourism Barometer 2015, published by the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, tourist arrivals to the province from Australia increased from 4.1% in 2013 to 4.5% in 2014 and from the USA arrivals increased from 11.1% to 12.7% in the same period.
"NMBT recognises the potential that lies in both these markets – with the US being South Africa's second-biggest overseas market and Australia being ranked amongst SAT's top 20 long-haul source markets," said Mandlakazi Skefile, Chief Executive Officer of NMBT.
Louw said NMBT hoped to see an increase in these markets. “We are in talks with SAT and are looking at the new initiatives they are planning in these countries.”
