The Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA) is proud to work with stakeholders like Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM), Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB), Mandela Bay Development Agency, Transnet, and SAPS who have significantly contributed to the resurgence of cruise tourism in Nelson Mandela Bay.
During the 2024/25 season, Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed 34 cruise vessels, with a total of 45 vessels scheduled by April 2025. The economic impact of this thriving sector is projected to exceed R100 million—an impressive increase from R85 million the previous season. Over 50,000 cruise passengers have boosted local businesses through spending on tours, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
As part of assisting, ECPTA’s has been ensuring that compliance checks and safety management is adhered to make sure that passengers enjoy safe, professional, and legally compliant tourist guiding services. Together with SAPS and local authorities, ECPTA addressed challenges such as illegal guiding practices at Gqeberha harbour, helping improve overall visitor experience.
Luxolo Kanti, Deputy Chairperson of TGAMB, praised the joint initiatives, noting that emerging tour operators have significantly benefited from training in Digital Marketing, Tourism Best Practices, and Cruise Tourism Packaging.
NMBM Executive Mayor Lobishe highlighted the broader tourism vision, which includes developing new cultural and heritage routes and expanding township tourism to ensure cruise benefits reach beyond the port area. MMC Kama underscored ECPTA’s essential role in facilitating these regional tourism linkages.
