Port Elizabeth proves again it can handle big events

Port Elizabeth’s hospitality industry catered for three big events in the Metro during the summer season, without a hitch – proving that the city has what it takes to provide accommodation, meals and transport for large events.

The biggest was the South African leg of the HSBC Rugby Sevens World Series, which was hosted at the Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on December 9 and 10.

Crowds of up to 40 000 attended the tournament, which helped fill beds in the first week of December.

The players – and the fans – will be back later this year. Dates, it seems, still need to be finalised.

Another big event was the South African Junior Chess Championship, which was hosted in Port Elizabeth from December 12 to December 21. Between 1 800 and 2 000 players from different age groups competed in the tournament.

They were accompanied by parents, family, tournament officials and friends – and still there was enough accommodation available for players, supporters and coaches taking part in the SA Junior Tennis Championship, which ran from December 17 to December 22.

Most of the visitors left happy with the reception they got from the friendly people of Port Elizabeth, the accessibility of the venues and after-hours attractions, and the accommodation.

Article supplied by Siyathetha Communications