Scenic diversity is one of the most striking characteristics of the Eastern Cape landscape surrounding Port Elizabeth. Alternating between sweeping sand beaches, river mouths, rocks and covers, the coastline is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. Set on the shores of Algoa Bay, "The Friendly City" is the fifth largest city in South Africa. A popular leisure resort, Port Elizabeth beckons visitors with an attractive atmosphere of year-round holiday fun set against a backdrop of urban activity. Its warm, welcoming nature is matched by a climate boasting more sunshine than any other coastal town in the country. The beaches are always alive with sun worshippers, and conditions are excellent for surfing, sailing, diving and angling. The nearby Swartkops River also provides endless opportunities for enjoyment.

Port Elizabeth has beautiful parks, botanical gardens and nature reserves with an abundance of bird life. Many inland and coastal walking trails can be explored in the area. In 1820, settlers in the region built graceful period homes; some still enhance the city's landscape. Since then, the tiny settlement has grown into a busy commercial, industrial and educational city with shops, parks, theatres, museums, restaurants, and universities.

Port Elizabeth will host 1st and 2nd Round matches in one of the newest stadiums in South Africa. The brand new 50,000 seat Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be a high-tech, modern venue that will be well suited to meet the requirements of hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The stadium boasts 150 VIP suites, 60 business suites, a sports clothing shop, gymnasium, 500 parking bays, plus lecture and function rooms, and is scheduled for completion in December 2008.

In order to prepare for the World Cup, approximately $650 million in infrastructure and environmental upgrades are planned, including hospitality/tourism, public transportation, health/emergency services and safety and security. Areas of planned expenditure include:

• New stadium: $150 million
• Safety & Security: $11.5 million
• Fan parks (including supporting infrastructure & utilities): $1 million
• Purchasing of low entry buses: $400,000
• Transportation upgrades, including: Street upgrades $30.5 million; Lighting & Shelters: $400,000; Sidewalks & Ramps: $17 million
• Tourism/visitor related upgrades, including: North End Waterfront Development: $290 million; East London Triple Point Development: $72 million
• Emergency services upgrades: $90 million
• Other potential projects: Cycle ways & Pedestrian walkways; Runway extension at Port Elizabeth International Airport; Alternative fuels demonstration project; Zero Waste Demonstration Project; Development of a leisure precinct in the Central Business District which will serve as a Fan Park.

Legacy projects are a prerequisite for all tenders, the aim being to create sustainable development in the area following the 2010 World Cup. The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium will be located two kilometers from the coast and no more than fifteen minutes’ drive from the city’s main hotels. Port Elizabeth hopes to see permanent benefits to its residents from improved infrastructure, services and economic opportunities surrounding the construction of the new stadium.

The U.S. Commercial Service in South Africa is prepared to assist U.S. firms interested in participating in any of these projects. For more detailed information on any of these projects, or about opportunities in the Port Elizabeth area generally, please contact Tyrena Holley, Consul for Commercial Affairs at Tyrena.holley@N0SPAM.mail.doc.gov or at +27 21 702-7300.

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