Nelson Mandela Bay’s cruise tourism industry contributed an estimated R111 million to the local economy during the 2025/26 season, as thousands of international passengers and crew made their way through the city.
The Bay welcomed 39 international cruise vessels, 59 077 passengers and 22 994 crew members during the season, with visitor spending reaching accommodation establishments, restaurants, transport services, retailers, cultural experiences, township tourism businesses and local attractions.
The figures were highlighted following a review of the latest cruise season involving the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, tourism operators, cruise industry representatives, tour guides, hospitality businesses and strategic partners.
More value from cruise tourism
While the number of vessels visiting the Bay can vary from one season to another, the economic contribution of the industry continues to grow.
The value of Nelson Mandela Bay’s cruise economy increased from R96.5 million in the 2024/25 season to R111 million in 2025/26.
This suggests that the success of the sector is increasingly about more than simply getting ships into the harbour. How much visitors spend, where that money goes and the experience they have while in Nelson Mandela Bay are becoming equally important.
Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said cruise tourism creates opportunities extending well beyond the harbour.
“Every cruise ship that arrives in our city creates opportunities far beyond the harbour.”
According to Lobishe, cruise visitors support guesthouses, restaurants, township tourism operators, craft producers, transport businesses, guides and attractions while introducing thousands of international travellers to Nelson Mandela Bay.
It takes a city to welcome a cruise ship
Behind every cruise vessel arriving in Nelson Mandela Bay is months of planning.
The Municipality, Transnet, cruise operators, SAPS, tourism businesses, tour guides, destination marketing organisations and frontline workers all play a role in ensuring passengers can move through the city safely and have a positive experience.
This coordination was identified by industry representatives as one of the strengths of the Bay’s cruise tourism offering.
The Municipality’s Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate used the post-season review not only to assess what worked, but also to identify areas that still need improvement.
Among the priorities raised were better coordination within elements of the security cluster, greater support for emerging tourism entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities and improved operational efficiency around harbour access.
The Municipality said the introduction of beachfront security patrollers in June, together with increased visibility from other law enforcement agencies, forms part of efforts to address safety concerns.
“The most successful destinations in the world are those that never stop learning,” Lobishe said.
“What encouraged us most during this review was not only the positive feedback but the willingness of every partner around the table to identify where we can improve.”
Why cruise passengers matter to the Bay
For Nelson Mandela Bay, attracting cruise ships is ultimately about convincing passengers to experience more of the destination once they step off the vessel.
The city’s beaches, wildlife experiences, cultural heritage, township tourism, adventure activities and hospitality give visitors several reasons to travel beyond the harbour.
Cruise passengers can also become valuable ambassadors for the city after returning home, while some may choose to return to the Bay independently in future.
Preparations for the next cruise season are already underway, with lessons from the 2025/26 review expected to influence operational planning, visitor services, tourism experiences and industry support programmes.
The Mayor said the ultimate goal is not simply to increase the number of ships arriving in Nelson Mandela Bay.
“We want Nelson Mandela Bay to be remembered not simply as a port of call, but as a destination that surprises visitors with its warmth, authenticity, natural beauty and unforgettable experiences,” Lobishe said.
“That is the reputation we are building together.”
For a city looking to grow tourism as a meaningful contributor to the local economy, the latest numbers provide an encouraging sign: cruise tourism is not only bringing visitors into Nelson Mandela Bay, it is bringing money into local businesses and communities.
Source: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
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