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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - The newly elected directors of Mossel Bay Tourism have been challenged to not only devise a new vision but to live the vision of increasing the number of visitors to the area.
The Western Cape MEC of Finance, Dr Ivan Meyer, also the minister for international relations, said the world economic order was changing fast. Countries such as China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and India are emerging as the new world market leaders.
He urged the chairman of the board of Mossel Bay Tourism, Councillor Mark Furness, and his team to strategise on how to access tourists from these markets. "Set yourself measurable targets. The people now travelling are the youth. Upscale the local attractions with the youth and the social media offering in mind."
Dr Meyer was impressed with Mossel Bay Tourism's current marketing strategy that embraces innovative technology and social media. He, however, said the role of the tourism body should not be limited to destination marketing only.
Vision
He explained the Western Cape government's 2040 vision and said employees of the provincial Department of Economic Development and Tourism would be available to assist with strategising to define an aligned vision for Mossel Bay Tourism. He offered the help of his own office to liaise with the international community, especially of the predominant import and export partners through the members of the diplomatic corps.
"I would like to see the Dias Festival increasingly promoting cultural tourism. Imagine tents at the festival arena offering food of the various foreign countries and cultures, such as Indonesia - especially considering that there is not an Indonesian restaurant in South Africa."
Dr Meyer said he wanted to know of all international sporting stars and other dignitaries that visit Mossel Bay to ensure that his office could render the necessary support, underscored by cultural and economic diplomacy.
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Happy visitors
He said tourists nowadays increasingly rely on social media, especially Instagram, to communicate. "Instagram is the fastest growing connecting platform, communication must be instant and appealing."
He challenged Mossel Bay Tourism to create platforms to facilitate popular Instagram photos at the ten top tourist attractions. He expressed his satisfaction with their current social media presence but asked that serious consideration is given to establishing an app for effective marketing.
Dr Meyer added that his office was planning to invite the most followed blogger from Indonesia to visit Mossel Bay to elevate the awareness of tourism opportunities in the area.
This follows the memorandum of understanding signed recently between Mossel Bay and Denpasar in Indonesia - a country that is expected to be the fifth largest economy of the world in five years' time.
"Create a happy tourist, therefore, listen to their problems and engage the available help such as the provincial Red Tape Reduction Unit to assist with problem-solving. Solving one problem may likely lead to the tourist investing in the area, moving here or even eventually creating local job opportunities."
Dr Meyer mentioned Project Khulisa, the provincial government's strategic priorities with a specific focus on the oil and gas industries, agro-processing and tourism, all of which are prevalent in Mossel Bay.
"Mossel Bay is close to my heart, if I had my way, I would settle here," he concluded.
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