Tourism Is booming in Margate

The local tourism(r1 sub-committee has enjoyed a most fruitful year to date. DIANE DUNCAN REPORTS.
At the beginning of July, The Idols auditions were recorded for television.
At the end of August, The Loeries flew onto Margate beach, and this week we learned that in terms of accommodation facilities, the South Coast has been authorized to receive satellite status for the 2010 World Cup.
Does anyone say what does tourism do for me? What it actually does, is expose the
area to the holiday and tourist market through the various media. This exposure is particularly price­less, considering what it would cost to advertise at nor­mal advertising rates to promote a holiday destination.
It also accounts for life-giving income to the area, and allows for global business, irrespective of its nature, to continue along a path of economic success, sus­taining thousands of jobs in the area.
Most importantly, tourism money filters down to the community and uplifts the lives off its people;

Report back on all events hosted was excellent. Amidst controversy around decisions to bring Pop Idols, to Margate, the competition boasted more participants in Margate than there were in Durban last year.
Some outstanding footage of Margate is anticipated.
The Loeries returned for the third, time. Pub­licity in national media and particularly on busi­ness sites on the internet, has been most positive in terms of the town and the organizing of this year's event.
A factor emanating from the media was that the town was aesthetically pleasing, and in one particular case was referred to as being pris­tine. In the same article, the writer indicated that the community and local municipality have certainly got it right.
This is a great tribute to the various role players, who worked endlessly to ensure that the town and its facilities were ready, and that all plans were carried out to precision.
As in previous years, local law enforcement agencies received accolades for their perform­ance in ensuring that no incidents of crime took place. Long hours were the order of the day, and the cameras never stopped rolling.
The accommodation establishments really, came to the party! It is not often that this fraternity receives public praise on a global ba­sis. They are thanked for being the front-end showcase to visitors, and particularly for their input into the marketing of the, area.
Last, but not least, thanks go to Margate residents for tolerating unusual volumes, dur­ing the event.