The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality hosted a successful two-day Tourism Imbizo from 10 to 11 September 2025, bringing together tourism stakeholders across the value chain to reimagine the city’s visitor economy.
Led by the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate, in partnership with Nelson Mandela University (NMU), the Action Learning Set (ALS) Task Team, and Nal’ibali, the gathering formed part of the city’s Tourism Month 2025 programme.
A platform for collaboration
The Imbizo created a dynamic space for dialogue, debate, and knowledge exchange. Stakeholders ranged from SMMEs, informal traders, and community organisations to academics, government representatives, and private sector players.
The programme included book reviews, storytelling sessions, debates, and workshops that highlighted inclusion, sustainability, and innovation as key pillars for the future of tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Day two was dedicated to practical skills development, equipping entrepreneurs and small businesses with tools and resources on compliance, access to finance, market entry, business growth, and building institutional partnerships.
Leadership speaks
Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe said the gathering marked a turning point for tourism in the Metro:
“This has been a call to action, a strategic, research-driven dialogue to drive transformation in our tourism sector. Tourism is not a luxury; it is a lifeline. It drives job creation, supports small businesses, and connects communities. The discussions and outcomes from this Imbizo reaffirm our collective commitment to reimagining Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism future.”
Tied to the Tourism Master Plan
The Tourism Imbizo also marked the first activation of the Research, Information, Knowledge Management and Governance cluster of the city’s Tourism Master Plan. This milestone reflects the municipality’s commitment to its Integrated Development Plan (IDP), the 7th Administration’s priorities of economic growth, job creation, and inclusion, and aligns with the National Department of Tourism’s strategic goals of sustainable growth, transformation, and competitiveness.
With over 1.4 million visitors in 2024, tourism remains a cornerstone of Nelson Mandela Bay’s economy, contributing R6.21 billion. However, the drop in overnight spend to R4.52 billion highlights the need for innovation and collaboration to strengthen destination competitiveness.
Cllr Lobishe emphasised that the Tourism Master Plan is more than just a policy document:
“The Tourism Master Plan is not just a document, it is a blueprint for transformation. This Imbizo marks its first activation, and it will guide us in building a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism destination.”
Looking ahead
The outcomes of the Tourism Imbizo will directly inform the implementation of the Tourism Master Plan, ensuring that Nelson Mandela Bay positions itself as a vibrant, resilient, and competitive destination that benefits communities, businesses, and visitors alike.
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