Tourism Pledges are Coming in

Local businesses have responded with enthusiasm to the campaign launched in the People’s Post to support destination marketing organisation, Cape Point Route, in their bid to raise funds for their attendance at this year’s Indaba Travel Trade Show to be held in Durban in May 2010.

Cape Point Route has been marketing the South Peninsula for 5 years and encouraging visitors to spend more time in the region, rather than passing through on a peninsula day tour. “The response from businesses has been extremely positive”, says Barbara Elshove-Schmidt of Cape Point Route. “It has been encouraging for us that the majority of businesses who have responded to the campaign, know of Cape Point Route and the work we have been doing. They understand that tourism benefits their own businesses – we have spoken to estate agents, supermarkets, linen suppliers, computer companies, banks and even coffee suppliers!”

Since the campaign was launched one week ago, businesses have indicated their support and commitment to the campaign, however not everyone has finalized their budgets to confirm the value of their pledges. “We understand that a pledge is based on a business decision, to receive good return on investment, “says Sally Grierson, also of Cape Point Route. “What has been particularly note-worthy is the interest businesses have shown in terms of the publicity side of the campaign. Pledging for conferencing and corporate getaways is a direct business transaction, however the added value of the campaign is in the form of press coverage, website links and banner advertising in the Cape Point Route newsletter which has a reach of 10 000 consumers”

Mach 1 Security, was the first business to respond to the campaign with a pledge of R2000 for 2 nights B&B at Whale View Manor in Simon’s Town. Manu Choudree of Mach 1 declared, “We have received direct requests from tourism accommodation establishments in the area for guarding services for their guests. Other guest houses use our electronic security services and alarm installations. It made complete sense for us to support the work of Cape Point Route, who bring visitors to the area and as such business to Mach 1”

Longbeach Mall has supported various projects run by Cape Point Route over the past 5 years and had little hesitation in pledging R2,000 for a 2 night B&B getaway at Boulders Beach Lodge. Alana Lochner, marketing manager at Longbeach Mall said, “Longbeach Mall continues to support Cape Point Route Tourism, because we understand the value of their marketing efforts and appreciate the impact that it has on local businesses."

Pick ‘n Pay Fish Hoek have generously given a sponsorship of R5,000 towards the Cape Point Route wine function at Indaba. Pick ‘n Pay offers a full range of party platters for functions and will be providing the food, soft drinks, plates and cutlery for the network function hosted by Cape Point Route at the Indaba Trade Show. Julian Hobson of Pick ‘n Pay Fish Hoek says, “Pick ‘n Pay believes the work done by Cape Point Route is fantastic for the Far South. Area marketing highlights the wonderful place we live in, with all its attractions and activities, and the exposure allows those that don’t live or work here to become aware of our very special place in the world”.

Local business and corporate companies can still make pledges, which will be rewarded with a package of goods, ranging from meal vouchers through to conferences, team-building excursions and accommodation breaks, and a publicity component depending on the value of the pledge. Supporting this tourism campaign is not only a commitment to tourism marketing in the region and a long –term sustainability of regional economy but it is a tangible useful and valuable business transaction.

For more details on corporate packages or to make a pledge, please contact Barbara or Sally from Cape Point Route on 021 782 9356 or email info@capepointroute.co.za for more details.