Promoting small tourism with BIG initiatives – I AM JOBURG

The I AM JOBURG project connected four cities across Travel Massive’s South African community to promote and assist small tourism businesses across the City of Joburg.

This post was contributed by Neil Jansson – a passionate and proud African who heads up the Africa Travel Massive.

Supporting Small Tourism

Travel Massive members in four South African cities came together to help launch the I AM JOBURG initiative in December. The event was sponsored by Constitution Hill, who have launched the initiative to promote and assist small tourism businesses across the City of Joburg to benefit from events taking place in the City.

Until now, the only people to benefit from large events have been a select few companies. This initiative will allow for a more inclusive approach to tourism.

Who was behind the project?

The project was led by Neil Jansson who leads the Africa Travel Massive initiative and Meruschka Govender who heads up the Travel Massive Johannesburg – and supported by the Travel Massive communities in Cape Town, Durban, and Port Elizabeth.

What is I AM JOBURG?

I AM JOBURG is a curated collection of unique experiences and tours celebrating Johannesburg’s diverse cultures and people. From walking and cycling tours of Joburg’s iconic neighbourhoods to unique culinary and cultural experiences, I am Joburg is about celebrating the local. We are all about supporting our local tourism and creative entrepreneurs who make this place unique.

I am Joburg is 100% Johannesburg, 100% authentic, 100% of the time

Along with Constitution Hill, AFROPUNK is playing a leading role in driving the initiative as part of their legacy project as they enter into the African Market with their first AFROPUNK FESTIVAL taking place in Johannesburg over New Year.

What was the impact on Social Media?

The social reach over the evening was phenomenal with #IAMJOBURG reaching over 37 million people across all social channels in a matter of ours and trending on Twitter for two days at Number 1 across the country.

A National Competition was used as a tool to encourage engagement and sharing of the experiences available on the I AM JOBURG Platform, with the winner receiving an all expenses paid trip to Johannesburg for AFROPUNK over the New Years Weekend.

Here’s the winning entry from vlogger and photojournalist Shayne Robinson:

Special thanks to…

Our community in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town and Johannesburg who came out to support I AM JOBURG.
Constitution Hill for sponsoring the initiative
Up Yours rooftop bar by Yours Truly at Once in Cape Town
OnceinCapetown – Africa’s hottest Poshtel in Cape Town.
Curiocity Hostel in Durban
Suki Sushi & Asian Cuisine in Port Elizabeth
The Parktonian Hotel, and Simonsig Wines in Johannesburg.

Here’s some photos from the I AM JOBURG events across South Africa…

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