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 family If 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 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 Marathon Royal 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 complex Events staff suppliers Event infrastructure – one stop shop PR & media elements Para transport solutions Accommodation booking agency Cultural tourism

Questions & Comment