2022 Annual Tourism Baseline Performance Report Released

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Economic Development, Tourism & Agriculture Directorate released its annual tourism baseline report for 2022. The report is available on request from the directorate. Below is some of the key findings from the report.

Tourist Arrivals:

The tourist arrivals in Nelson Mandela Bay have experienced notable fluctuations over the past years, primarily due to the impact of the global pandemic. In 2017, total tourist arrivals reached 2,747,183, with 321,316 international tourists and 2,425,867 domestic tourists. The following years saw fluctuations, with a peak in 2019, reaching 4,574,117, driven by a surge in domestic tourism. However, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decline in 2020, with a subsequent recovery in 2021 and 2022, totaling 2,197,387 overall arrivals.

Bed Nights and Visitor Engagement:

The indicator of bed nights, reflecting the total number of nights spent by tourists, is crucial for understanding visitor engagement. In 2022, international visitors contributed 255,890 bed nights, while domestic tourists recorded an impressive 4,672,120 bed nights. This nuanced metric provides a detailed picture of the intensity of visitor engagement within the destination, emphasizing the importance of both international and domestic markets.

Foreign Tourism Recovery:

International tourist arrivals to South Africa in 2022 reached 5.7 million, representing a remarkable recovery from the impacts of COVID-19. Nelson Mandela Bay received 145,655 foreign visitors, marking a 69.5% increase from 2021. Despite the recovery, this figure remains below the 2019 levels, emphasizing the ongoing challenges faced by the industry.

Top 20 Countries of Origin:

Germany, the UK, and the USA consistently featured as the top three countries of origin for international visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay. The figures highlight the global appeal of the destination and the importance of international markets in contributing to the region's tourism economy.

Domestic Tourism Surge:

Domestic tourism played a pivotal role in sustaining the industry during challenging times. In 2022, Nelson Mandela Bay experienced a robust 53.8% growth in domestic visitor numbers, totaling 2,051,731. Despite this positive trend, efforts to attract international tourists remain a focus for future growth.

Accommodation Sector Resilience:

The accommodation sector showcased resilience, with an increase in overall bed nights sold by 14.29% in 2022 compared to the previous year. The income generated by the accommodation sector reached an estimated R1.6 billion, emphasizing its substantial contribution to the region's economy.

Overall Economic Impact:

The overall economic impact of tourism within Nelson Mandela Bay exhibited significant growth, with a 23.7% increase in Total Direct Spend, totaling R4,715,757,850 in 2022. The comprehensive impact, including Direct and Induced effects, contributed approximately R8.72 billion to the Nelson Mandela Bay GDP.

Looking Forward:

Nelson Mandela Bay continues to position itself as a desirable destination, acknowledging the challenges and focusing on enhancing safety, cleanliness, product development, and maintaining tourism infrastructure. By addressing these aspects, the region aims to create a welcoming and attractive destination, fostering sustainable tourism growth and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.

For more detailed information, contact Mr. Erenei Louw from the EDTA Tourism Directorate at elouw@mandelametro.gov.za.