The visit by the delegation follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism and China's Travel Services, which focuses on establishing a mutual relationship regarding tourism promotion and exchange programmes.
The aim of the visit was also to familiarise the delegation with the region and its attractions.
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO Fezekile Tshiwula said this was an excellent opportunity to showcase the city and all its beautiful attractions to the Chinese community.
“This visit will also assist in cementing the relationship that the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism has forged with China Travel Services Authority,” he said.
On Monday 13 October 2008, the Chinese delegation were taken on a tour of the city and, according to Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism's Trade Promotions Coordinator, Jonker Fourie, the township tour and the visit to the city's blue-flag beaches had been the highlight.
“The township tour was insightful. Experiencing the aspects of township life that they're not accustomed to and seeing the cultural differences between the Chinese ways and the locals was quite an eye-opener for the delegation,” he said.
Grace Peng, a representative from the Consulate General's Office in Shanghai, said they had loved the beach and putting their feet in the warm water. “The city's beautiful weather also made it a truly nice experience,” she said.
Peng said the media crew had been able to get great footage during the tour. “They would still like to visit some of the local craft markets to shoot the variety of crafts on offer. This would be a great way to showcase the destination back home.”
On Tuesday 14 October, the delegation visited the area's heritage sites, including the Donkin reserve, Fort Frederick, the Red Location Museum and the Uitenhage's Volkswagen Autopavillion, the Despatch brickworks chimney and the 2010 multipurpose stadium construction site.
Article published courtesy of BuaNews.
