Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
The partnership will further unlock sports tourism in #ThePrideOfJozi
The first stage of this ever-expanding partnership was announced by the MMC for Economic Development at the City of Johannesburg, Councillor Nomoya Mnisi at the 2023 Lions Cricket Annual Awards.
The thrilling destination marketing collaboration between the Joburg Tourism Company and Central Gauteng Lions is critical to turning around destination marketing and unlocking sports tourism in Johannesburg.
“The fact that the DP World Wanderers is sitting in the golden triangle of retail in Africa – namely Sandton, Melrose Arch and Rosebank makes it a priority tourism node,” says Thandubuhle Mgudlwa, Acting CEO for Joburg Tourism. “Sports tourism is an exciting way of marketing the city as a preferred tourist destination, adding value and pride into City of Gold whilst creating opportunities for jobs and SMMEs.”
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright says that partnering with the powerhouse that is Joburg Tourism, speaks to the ambition of Lions Cricket for #ThePrideOfJozi. “We are fortunate to be at the epicentre of a city of gold when it comes to potential, people, passion, resources, ambition and beauty. Add those ingredients into the iconic DP World Wanderers Stadium pot, and we really have found ourselves on a winning wicket. Joburg Tourism continues to uplift our communities, provide for our fans and have tremendous plans which we are honoured to now be a part of. Afterall, we are a Union by the people, for the people.”
The multiple year partnership will see brand awareness and overall image of the City of Joburg strengthened; the sharing of resources most notably the DP World Wanderers Stadium; and increased advertising and event management in order to attract greater crowds across multiple events.
The DP World Wanderers Stadium has, and continues to, host world class events on a global standard from ICC Cricket World Cup finals, to the Davis Cup Tennis, music concerts, product launches, weddings, Presidential speeches, the SA20 final and so much more.
As a country, South Africa is building up towards the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, with Johannesburg and more specifically the DP World Wanderers Stadium set to play a significant role in this global best of the best cricket contest. With hundreds of events, appealing to thousands of people, set to take to the pitch between now and then; the stadium, its precinct and the City of Gold itself will continue to be a destination of choice.
Name of Author: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket aims to foster a deep passion for cricket by advancing the sport through high-quality teams, nurturing club and school cricket, and providing a premier stadium experience. The organization also seeks to use cricket to drive inclusive and sustainable economic, social, and environmental change.
