Mossel Bay Goes to Joburg

Mossel Bay Tourism’s Marcia Holm left Thursday for Johannesburg to promote the town at the annual Dstv Getaway Show.

“This is always an exciting event for us because it attracts two of the most important sectors of Mossel Bay’s domestic visitor base: people who want self-drive, self-catering holidays and those looking for camping and caravan sites,” she said.

“Last year’s Getaway Show attracted more than 24,000 visitors, with nearly 20,000 of them paying the R50.00 entry fee (the rest received complimentary tickets) – and we think this is a very strong indication that they’re serious about finding out about new destinations as well as special offers in the destinations they already know.

“According to the organisers, 77.5% of the show’s visitors last year fell into the top-rated 8-10 LSM groups (living standards measurements); 17% of them owned three or more motor vehicles, 88% were interested in game viewing, 86% in fishing, 75% in camping and 70% in photography – and Mossel Bay certainly has the products to meet their requirements in those areas.”

As it did last year, Mossel Bay Tourism will again be exhibiting on the Western Cape stand, which is coordinated by Cape Town Routes Unlimited.

“Being on the CTRU stand is good for us, good for our neighbours in the Garden Route and Little Karoo and good for the Province as a whole because travellers are explorers and are generally looking for a broad perspective,” said Ms. Holm.

She said that CTRU would be holding regular prize draws to attract visitors to the stand and that Mossel Bay would provide three of the prizes: a shark trip for two with White Shark Africa; a weekend for two in a luxury room at the Diaz Strand Hotel; and a two-night bed and breakfast breakaway for two at the Garden Route Casino Hotel and Spa complete with spa and dinner vouchers, free tickets to the casino, two R100.00 gaming vouchers, caps, T-shirts and jackets.

“In addition, some of our members have provided discounts which will be advertised in a flyer that CTRU has prepared especially for the show. Nyaru Game Lodge, Linkside2 Guest House, Jukani Wildlife Sanctuary, Mossel Bay Deep-sea Adventures, Bonniedale Holiday Farm, Asgard Valhalla Guest House, b@Home B&B, Electrodive and the Edward Charles Manor Hotel have all taken part in this promotion, as has the Dias Museum, which has provided free entry vouchers to the Museum Complex and the Caravel,” she said.

Debra Bouwer, Mossel Bay Tourism’s marketing manager, said that the Dstv Getaway Show was a perfect promotional vehicle for the town because it emphasizes attractions and activities.

“And that’s what Mossel Bay’s all about,” she said. “We know that our beaches are our biggest draw-card, but it’s our rich and varied product offering that keeps people coming back again and again – and this is why our ‘Things To Do in Mossel Bay’ brochure will be one of Marcia’s most important promotional tools in Joburg this year.”

The Dstv Getaway Show runs today, tomorrow and Sunday in the Coca Cola Dome. More information about accommodation, attractions and activities in Mossel Bay at www.visitmosselbay.co.za

Courtesy of Mossel Bay Tourism and Barefoot Clients
E&OE

Accommodation at Edward Charles Manor, July 18 2007
Reviewer: Mr Botes (South Africa)
We stayed over for one night at said hotel on 15 July 2007. We experienced excellent service from all staff as they were very accommodating at all times. Accommodation was excellent with beautiful views. Breakfast was alos excellent. We will definitely recommend to our friends and family and will visit the hotel again when in Mosselbay.

Excellent small hotel, March 25 2007
Reviewer: Julia (United Kingdom)
We had an enormous room with excellent views of Mossel Bay. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly, and we felt that this hotel was excellent value for money.

Christmas at the Edward Charles Manor, December 27 2006
Reviewer: Ms Britten (South Africa)
After a long journey and early hours of travel, we were relieved when Edward Charles indicated that they could accommodate an earlier reservation at about 09:30 instead of 12:00.Our room was ready within minutes. To our surprise, ?a room with a view” of the Bay. It was a spectacular sight day and night, like watching water sport on DSTV through our room window. We gradually sort relief from the Mossel Bay heat, in the small and cosy swimming pool situated on the premises below. We were greeted on Christmas morning with a beautifully laid out table, covered with streamers and Xmas crackers - we felt at home. Our food orders were taken promptly and the service coupled with friendly staff was superb. In the evening, we met with other visitors including ex-South Africans at the Hotel. Edward Charles was very accommodating allowing us to utilise their facilities of their kitchen in order to prepare for our festive braai. This was followed by a casually fun visit to the lounge with games of 30 seconds and ginga. We departed Edward Charles with special memories and lots of contact numbers with a promise to return to the Edward Charles together. Edward Charles deserves a 4 star.

Edward charles Review, November 27 2006
Reviewer: Gary Friend (South Africa)
Lovely little hotel with nice view. Great breakfast. I would recommend them

I have spent a very nice week in Mossel Bay.

Thank you very much for all your help in Edward Charles hotel , and, please, send my regards to all the persons working in the hotel Edward Charles, very specially to Charlene. I am confident of her professionalism. Also, she was able to find time to help me when I arrived, participated to the CIGRE meeting all the week and when I went back to Cape Town.

Héctor Leopoldo Soibelzon - Buenos Aires, Argentina