ALEC LENFERNA

Influence of major events on a city, a region & on local

business

What is a major event?

Have great appeal and broad interest base Elite status Elite standard of participation Large number of participants High level of media interest and profile –

nationally & internationally Has significant impact on an area or city Can leave a legacy – either physical or

idealistic

Should events be staged – and especially in places like Pietermaritzburg?

Yes Creates talking points and a reason to come Once participants exposed, they will often

return with friends and familyIf people have a good time, they become

excellent ambassadors

Pro’s of Hosting a Mega Event

Allows city to be transformed – physically, socially & economically

Leads to better living conditions and standards – roads & transport systems, housing, municipal and private services, airports etc.

Can / will / should / must lead to increased long term tourism programmes

Barcelona 1992 Olympics

Transformed city into one of most vibrant and popular tourism destinations in Europe

Unemployment figures dropped drastically as inward focus – construction, service providers etc

Confidence in housing market sustainable till today

Huge increase in and upgrading of hotels supported by continued tourism plan

Urban regeneration and sense of pride

Con’s of Hosting Mega Events

Cost “White elephant” factor Community needs not taken into

consideration in planning can lead to wasted efforts and funds

Montreal 1976 & Athens 2004

Montreal incurred debt of $1.5 Billion Most of the money spent on tiny sector of the

city meaning no lasting legacies Athens lost 70 000 jobs within 3 months of

games being staged Many of the facilities built were put in wrong

parts of the city for ongoing use so many now stand empty

No sustainable tourism plan in place to drive business after the games

Major events in the city

Comrades Marathon Duzi Canoe Marathon Midmar Mile Cycling Programme Maritzburg MarathonRoyal Show

Bike City Project

Pmb is designated UCI Bike City for Africa since 2009

Shares status with Copenhagen in Europe and Melbourne for Australasia

Since 2009, following major events staged: - 6 x UCI World Cup – BMX & MTB - 2 x UCI World Cycling Tour races - 5 x UCI World Championships - 2 x African Continental Championships

Why Bike City?

To attract large numbers of visitors to the City (increased expenditure)

To help brand Pietermaritzburg as the “City of Choice for World Class Events”

To gain national & international media exposure from the events

To encourage our youth to engage in healthy pursuits and to create interest

Future Major Cycling Events

Confederation of African Cycling Forum – 2015

Para Cycling Road World Cup & Championships – 2015, 2016 & 2017

Pmb MTB Festival – 2016, 2017 & 2018 UCI MTB Masters World Championships –

2016, 2017 & 2018 International road races – Men & Women –

2016, 2017 & 2018

Direct Spin Offs

Commonwealth Games Velodrome / indoor sports facility

Challenges & Problem Areas

Apathy Inefficiency – Municipality, service providers

etc Lack of facilities – Para Cycling Market forces City, region & country wide decline

Opportunities in Pmb

Indoor sports complexEvents staff suppliers Event infrastructure – one stop shop PR & media elements Para transport solutions Accommodation booking agency Cultural tourism

Questions & Comment