National Geographic to promote Cape Town, Durban tourism

The collaborative series of international activities will include a series of TV vignettes focussed on the unique sounds of each city, an array of international National Geographic Magazines editions including National Geographic Traveler US, online editorial on www.nationalgeographic.com, a social media and digital campaign, as well as an event in London or Washington DC.

The focussed target markets for the campaign will be in accordance with the two cities' primary tourism source markets of the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands, South Africa (and, through DSTV, into Africa), India, China and Australia.

Hitting urban tourism

The United Nations World Tourism Organisation's research shows that up to 80% of international tourists are in search of urban tourism - exploring rich and different cultures and experiencing a country through the entry and viewpoint of their cities.

In a world where cities, rather than countries, are said to be the true players in a competitive global economy, culture is extensively being recognised as a facilitator of economic and urban progress. A city's culture and liveability is key to generating a creative environment that attracts the investors and talents to stimulate economic development.

With 70% of South Africa's tourism product offering situated within the country's urban areas, the National Geographic campaign will focus on iconic tourism attractions as well as unexpected experiences and hidden gems within each city. The campaign will showcase the diversity and multiculturalism of each city and tell unique stories about the destinations through the eyes of citizens - local ambassadors who will unlock the distinctive culture of each city.

Durban locations

Phillip Sithole of eThekwini municipality's business support and tourism says, "Durban and Cape Town add value to each other's leisure and business tourism offering and the campaign will demonstrate the unique touch points of each city. The campaign is formal recognition of our concerted efforts to present an integrated city tourism experience for both domestic and international travellers."

Some of the Durban locations and elements to be featured will include the uShaka Marine World, the Juma Masjid Mosque, the Victoria Street Market, Gandhi's house and the Phoenix Settlement as well as the Tala Game Reserve. Durban's story will be told as leading port city with a warmth and tradition that is rooted in Africa and has Asian influences.

The National Geographic campaign is the outcome of bold steps by each of the participating cities to commit to going beyond outmoded ways of thinking about marketing and to challenge compartmentalised thinking.

Cape Town locations

"Prosperous cities of the future will be stand-out urban centres seen as the most liveable and enjoyable places on the planet. Places that will deliver benefits to residents and visitors alike. Cape Town and Durban tell two very distinctive but corresponding stories. The campaign is the first urban tourism collaboration of its kind in South Africa. We sincerely believe it will highlight our leisure tourism potential in our key source markets," says Mariette du Toit-Helmbold, CEO of Cape Town Tourism.

Cape Town locations and attractions will include Boulders Beach, Robben Island, District Six and Woodstock, the city's three wine regions, the BoKaap and Table Mountain. Cape Town's natural beauty will form the backdrop of the depiction as a city of inspiration, design and innovation where creative freedom reigns.

The campaign will have the key message that a world of experiences can be had in two South African cities. As part of the 2013 editorial calendar National Geographic Channel will also be producing a one-hour documentary about the two cities.