Isuzu partners with Metro to drive tourism

Isuzu Motors South Africa has teamed up with the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Directorate as its official vehicle partner. The goal of the partnership is to encourage domestic travel to and within the Bay.

“It is important for us as a corporate resident of the Bay to be part of the revival of our local economy and our communities,” says Mandlakazi Sigcawu, Isuzu executive, corporate and public affairs. “Our range of bakkies and the mu-X SUV are built on a foundation of adventure, so there’s a natural link between the Isuzu brand and the Tourism Directorate.”

Isuzu kickstarted its partnership with the tourism directorate with several initiatives that were hosted during Tourism Month (September). The objectives of this private and public partnership include strategically driving initiatives that will revive the local economy in Gqeberha.

“Together we hope to give the region in which we operate the boost it so desperately needs. Isuzu is committed to supporting communities in Nelson Mandela Bay, and this initiative aligns perfectly with the many projects and partnerships we already have in place,” says Sigcawu.

Whether it’s a lunch with friends or family, or a lengthy holiday stay, Isuzu and the Tourism Directorate encourage the sharing of experiences, obviously while adhering to Covid-19 protocols, by using the #ShareTheBay hashtag on social media.

“We are thrilled to have the historic and locally made Isuzu brand on board as a vehicle partner to some of our programmes, and we look forward to building a relationship with a brand that represents adventure, and in turn links with our tourism marketing objectives,” says Siphokazi Ngombane, acting director of tourism for the region. “The programmes that ran throughout Tourism Month were an ideal start to empower and educate communities on the economic spin-offs visitors have for their areas, as well as the potential for job creation that comes with redeveloping a tourism strategy conducive to the growth of the Metro.”