By Nangamso Mabindla
9 February 2005

THE One Day International cricket match to be played at the Buffalo Park Stadium in East London on Wednesday, February 9 will bring positive spin-offs to the city, says Tourism Buffalo City's acting CEO, Darby Gounden.

South Africa and England square up today for the fifth one-dayer. "We will have more people occupying our accommodation and eating in our restaurants, bringing money to the city," says Gounden. This will boost the City's economy, especially during this time of the year, she adds.

While East London normally has regular visitors, in the form of business people, with the game taking place in the city more tourists are expected - especially English supporters.

Of 15 bed and breakfast accommodations contacted by Tourism Buffalo City, five are fully booked for the week. The others are 15 percent full, while The Blue Lagoon Hotel in Beacon Bay is fully booked for two days.

"The Holiday Inn on the beachfront is also fully booked until Wednesday and 40 percent full until Friday, while The Regent Hotel is 97 percent full until Thursday and 40 percent full the rest of the week," adds Gounden.

The occasion will showcase Buffalo City as one of the country's preferred international sports destinations. "The SA Games held here last year also showcased our potential to host sporting events; we're confident we'll pull this off too," Gounden says.

She called on the city's people to support the cricket - and the Proteas - in today's day-night game.