EDTA Showcases Research Leadership and Collaboration at the 2025 National Tourism Research Seminar

The Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) Directorate of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality participated in the 2025 National Tourism Research Seminar, held under the theme “Advancing Tourism Growth, Development and Sustainability through Evidence-Based Research.” The event, convened by the National Department of Tourism, brought together leading academics, researchers, and postgraduate students from across South Africa to present research findings aimed at strengthening the country’s tourism economy through data-driven insights and collaboration.

The EDTA Directorate, through its Tourism Unit and Nelson Mandela Bay Airlift and Destination Marketing Projects, played an active role in the seminar’s discussions, particularly around tourism policy, air connectivity, digital transformation, and SMME development. The delegation engaged with partners from institutions including the University of Pretoria, University of Venda, University of KwaZulu-Natal, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), and the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) to unpack innovative solutions for sustainable tourism growth.

The seminar focused on critical themes such as travel facilitation, digital innovation, supply chain development, state-owned tourism assets, and community-based tourism (CBT). These discussions underscored the importance of using evidence-based research to inform national and local tourism strategies, improve collaboration across sectors, and address structural and systemic barriers hindering tourism development. The inclusion of a student-driven innovation hub and poster exhibition provided a forward-looking dimension, showcasing how young researchers are shaping the future of South Africa’s tourism landscape.

EDTA’s participation was aligned with Nelson Mandela Bay’s broader commitment to fostering an enabling environment for tourism innovation and inclusive growth. The Directorate used the seminar as a platform to share local experiences and initiatives, such as the development of the Nelson Mandela Bay Digital Marketing Strategy, which incorporates several of the seminar’s recommendations on improving digital market access for tourism SMMEs. This strategic approach supports the region’s goal of promoting a digitally connected, competitive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem.

Reflecting on the research outcomes, EDTA noted that studies on visa regimes, tourism SMME digital adoption, and supply chain resilience offer actionable insights that can guide local implementation and investment decisions. The research highlighted that simplified visa systems, digitally empowered SMMEs, and integrated value-chain management are key enablers of tourism competitiveness and sustainability. Additionally, findings from community-based tourism research—such as the “Community Carousel” and “I-Factor” models—align closely with Nelson Mandela Bay’s priorities of empowering communities and creating inclusive tourism opportunities.

Through its active engagement, the EDTA Directorate reinforced Nelson Mandela Bay’s position as a key stakeholder in shaping national tourism research and policy discourse. The insights gained from the 2025 Tourism Research Seminar will inform future collaborations between local government, academia, and the private sector, ensuring that the city continues to drive evidence-based, sustainable tourism development in line with national priorities and the Eastern Cape’s tourism growth agenda.