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The growing collaboration between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and local tour guides and operators is proving to be a game-changer for the city’s cruise tourism industry. With 34 cruise vessels already docking in the Bay this season and an expected economic impact of nearly R100 million, this sector is fast becoming a major contributor to the city’s economy.

According to the Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB), the industry has seen significant growth post-COVID-19 due to collaborative efforts between the Municipality and the Association.

A Growing Industry

• 34 cruise vessels have already docked in Nelson Mandela Bay this season, out of the 45 scheduled.
• In March alone, the city welcomed seven cruise ships, with five overnight stays and three more vessels expected before the end of the month.
• This season, 15 cruise vessels will stay for more than one day, with a total of 61 days spent in the city.

Economic Impact on Nelson Mandela Bay

• The 2024 cruise season is expected to generate nearly R100 million in economic benefits, an increase from R85 million in the 2023/24 season.
• 50,000 passengers are anticipated to spend on tours, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences across the metro.

A Boost for Local Tour Operators

According to TGAMB Deputy Chairperson Luxolo Kanti, the cruise industry has become a key catalyst for tourism growth in the city.

• Emerging tour guides and operators have gained access to new opportunities.
• Training programs in Digital Marketing, Tourism Best Practices, and Cruise Tourism Packaging have helped businesses better market their services.
• The Municipality’s openness to industry contributions in policy development has helped improve tourism offerings.

Municipality’s Investment in Tourism

The NMBM, along with key stakeholders such as the Mandela Bay Development Agency, Transnet, and Eastern Cape Tourism, has made strategic investments in infrastructure and tourism-related services:

• Enhancing port facilities, tourism products, and heritage sites.
• Increasing tourist safety and hospitality by training and recruiting youth as tourism ambassadors.
• Promoting tailor-made tourism packages to encourage visitors to explore beyond the port and engage with local attractions.

A Vision for the Future

According to Executive Mayor Lobishe, Nelson Mandela Bay’s Tourism Master Plan aims to:

• Develop new cultural and heritage routes.
• Promote township tourism through community tourism forums.
• Expand the city’s events strategy to attract more international visitors.

Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, Tourism, and Agriculture, MMC Kama, emphasized the importance of encouraging cruise passengers to explore the broader region, ensuring that the economic benefits extend beyond the immediate port area.

With strong partnerships in place and ongoing investment in tourism development, Nelson Mandela Bay is positioning itself as a competitive and attractive cruise tourism destination in South Africa.