CRUISE INDUSTRY BACKS NELSON MANDELA BAY'S GROWING REPUTATION AS A DESTINATION OF CHOICE
Published: August 05, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
Nelson Mandela Bay's cruise tourism industry has delivered something far more valuable than another successful season, it has delivered confidence.
Following the conclusion of the 2025/26 cruise season, tourism operators, cruise
industry representatives, tour guides, hospitality businesses and strategic partners
gathered with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality for a candid review of the season.
Their message was consistent, that the City is making meaningful progress,
partnerships are stronger than ever before, and the foundations are firmly in place to
grow one of South Africa's most promising tourism sectors.
For Nelson Mandela Bay, this matters, Tourism is ultimately built on reputation. Cruise
lines return to destinations that are well organised. Visitors return to places where they
feel welcome. Investors back cities that demonstrate consistency, collaboration and a
willingness to improve. The review reflected exactly that.
During the 2025/26 season, Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed 39 international cruise
vessels, bringing 59 077 passengers, and 22 994 crew members, to the city. Those
visitors generated an estimated R111 million for the local economy through spending
on accommodation, restaurants, transport services, retail, cultural experiences,
township tourism, local attractions and small businesses.
The figures tell an encouraging story, but they are only part of it.
Behind every vessel arriving in Nelson Mandela Bay is months of planning involving
the Municipality, Transnet, cruise operators, SAPS, tourism businesses, tour guides,
destination marketing agencies and countless frontline workers who ensure visitors
experience a city that is welcoming, safe and memorable.
It is this coordinated approach that industry representatives repeatedly identified as
one of the greatest strengths of Nelson Mandela Bay’s Cruise Tourism season.
The Municipality's Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate
convened the review as part of its commitment to continuous improvement rather than
celebration alone. The discussions were open, practical and solutions-driven,
recognising achievements while honestly identifying opportunities to do even better.
Among the priorities identified were strengthening coordination within elements of the
security cluster, expanding support for emerging tourism entrepreneurs from
previously disadvantaged communities and improving operational efficiencies relating
to harbor access. The Municipality has already put boots on the ground with the launch
of the beachfront security patrollers in June and enhance law enforcement visibility
with other law enforcement agencies.
Executive Mayor Councillor Babalwa Lobishe said the willingness of the industry to
engage honestly demonstrates the maturity of Nelson Mandela Bay's tourism
partnerships.
"The most successful destinations in the world are those that never stop learning.
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.
That shared commitment is exactly what will keep Nelson Mandela Bay competitive in
an increasingly demanding global tourism market."
The Executive Mayor said the Municipality's Tourism Master Plan continues to provide
a long-term roadmap for growing tourism as a driver of inclusive economic
development.
"Every cruise ship that arrives in our city creates opportunities far beyond the harbour.
Visitors support restaurants, guesthouses, township tourism operators, craft
producers, transport businesses, guides and local attractions. Tourism places income
directly into communities while showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay to thousands of
international visitors who become ambassadors for our destination."
Although the number of cruise vessel calls naturally varies from season to season, the
economic value generated continues to grow.
The City's cruise economy increased from R96.5 million during the 2024/25 season to
R111 million, during the latest season, reflecting stronger visitor spending and
increasing value creation throughout the local tourism ecosystem.
This reinforces an important reality: success is no longer measured simply by the
number of ships entering the harbour, but by the quality of visitors’ experiences and
the economic opportunities those visits create for local people.
Nelson Mandela Bay's appeal extends well beyond its harbour. From its unspoilt
beaches and rich biodiversity to its cultural heritage, wildlife experiences, township
tourism, adventure offerings and renowned hospitality, the Bay continues to position
itself as South Africa's gateway to authentic coastal experiences.
Cruise tourism has become one of the most visible platforms through which
international visitors discover the destination, often extending their stay or returning
independently in future years.
Preparations for the next cruise season are already underway. Lessons from this
year's review will inform operational planning, visitor services, destination experiences
and industry support programmes as the Municipality and its partners continue
building a tourism economy that is both globally competitive and locally inclusive.
Executive Mayor Lobishe emphasised that the City's ambition reaches beyond
attracting more cruise vessels.
"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. That is the reputation we are building together."
As destinations around the world compete for visitors, Nelson Mandela Bay is
demonstrating that sustainable tourism growth is achieved not through marketing
alone, but through collaboration, consistency and an unwavering commitment to
delivering exceptional visitor experiences.
The confidence expressed by the cruise industry is therefore more than an
endorsement of one successful season. It is an endorsement of the destination itself.
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