With 25 cruise ships scheduled to dock in Gqeberha this season, nine of them staying overnight, the city’s tourism sector is preparing for a noticeable increase in visitor activity.
That kind of footfall brings economic opportunity. It also raises an important question for Nelson Mandela Bay. Who is ready to meet it?
At a time when the hospitality sector continues to face critical skills shortages and youth unemployment remains a pressing local challenge, the impact of tourism growth depends largely on whether it creates meaningful opportunity for residents.
Industry bodies have already pointed to mounting staffing pressures. The Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa has warned of a widening gap between demand and available skills across hotels, restaurants and tourism services. As visitor numbers recover and confidence returns, the need for trained hospitality professionals is becoming more urgent.
Against this backdrop, a R270 million investment in The Capital Boardwalk is beginning to take shape in Gqeberha.
A New Accommodation Model for the Metro
As the city’s first aparthotel, The Capital Boardwalk introduces a flexible accommodation format aimed at business travellers, contractors and professionals working in the region.
The development includes 145 units made up of: Standard rooms
Studios
One, two and three bedroom apartments
Luxury penthouses
The model is intended to support longer stays linked to sectors such as manufacturing, renewable energy, logistics and port activity. Guests staying for extended periods often engage more consistently with surrounding businesses, from restaurants and retail to transport and tour operators.
With multiple cruise liners expected to dock throughout the season, overnight visitors may contribute to this broader local spending ecosystem.
Job Creation and Skills Development
When The Capital Boardwalk opens in April, the property is expected to employ between 150 and 200 people across a range of roles including: Food and beverage staff
Chefs
Reception and front of house
Facilities management
Housekeeping
Security
Additional operational roles such as hotel accountant and stock controller will also form part of the staffing structure.
According to Garnet Basson, Chief Operating Officer of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, the group is focused on developing local talent alongside its physical footprint.
Hospitality remains one of the most accessible entry points into the formal economy for young South Africans. By investing in structured training and hiring locally, the group aims to strengthen its operations while contributing to the city’s long term skills base.
The company has also appointed a General Manager from the Eastern Cape, aligning leadership with local experience and regional dynamics.
Building a Local Talent Pipeline
Addressing skills shortages requires more than recruitment. It includes on the job training, mentorship and clear pathways for progression across operational and management roles.
To support this process, John Skelton, Chief People Officer of The Capital Hotels, Apartments and Resorts, has been engaging with community centres, training institutions and local organisations to build a stronger pipeline for youth employment within the hospitality sector.
For young people entering the workforce, hospitality roles can offer exposure to international service standards, operational discipline and career mobility.
Confidence in Gqeberha’s Growth
Private investment in tourism infrastructure often reflects broader market confidence in a city’s economic trajectory.
The Capital Boardwalk represents a significant commitment to Gqeberha’s tourism and business travel potential, particularly as the metro prepares for an active cruise season and continued growth in corporate travel linked to industry and logistics.
As cruise liners arrive and visitors check in, the immediate signs of growth may be visible in occupancy rates and foot traffic. Longer term impact is likely to emerge through employment opportunities, skills development and income generation within local communities.
Tourism growth carries weight when it translates into livelihoods. In Gqeberha, renewed visitor momentum combined with targeted hospitality investment may contribute to strengthening both the sector and the broader city economy.
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