By Tabisa Mntengwana
17 February 2010

TOURISM Buffalo City is working hard to promote the region this year, and is supporting several local and international events happening here.

So far, it has supported the 70.3 Ironman and the Africa Open golf tournament, both international sporting events.

According to Peter King, the head of the agency, it has thrown its weight behind other sporting events: “Last week, we were part of the annual Surfers’ Marathon and last year we supported the Women’s U19 cricket tournament.”

According to a report from the tourism agency, there are a number of shows and road activities planned for 2010 to entertain visitors. “The agency is set to promote and share the city’s beauty with the country and internationally. Through these shows we have to achieve that,” King says.

The agency points out that Buffalo City is a gateway to various tourism destinations, including the Sunshine Coast and Wild Coast. It also plans to position the city as a getaway for South Africans who are looking for a serene and quite environment during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™.

The World Cup takes place between 11 June and 11 July, with matches being held at various locations around the country. “Tourism Buffalo City is looking at attracting locals who feel clustered at these big cities and want to get away from the hustle and bustle of host cities.”

King also acknowledges the City’s participation in international events. “One must give credit to the vision of the City for having ventured public resources in support of major international events, since the positive publicity derived from media coverage of such events as well as the tourist-spend, far outweigh the resources committed in actual rand value.”

He believes that the City together with its tourism agency can keep up these relationships. “Tourism will continue to grow in Buffalo City and its hinterland.”