Nelson Mandela Bay Confirmed as Host for 2026 Skål International World Congress Following Successful Cusco Visit

Nelson Mandela Bay has officially been confirmed as the host city for the 2026 Skål International World Congress, following a highly successful presentation at the 2025 Congress held in Cusco, Peru. The 2025 event, which took place from 25 to 30 September, attracted over 400 delegates from more than 30 countries, bringing together senior tourism executives, industry decision-makers, and national Skål representatives to discuss sustainable tourism, global trends, and the strategic development of the MICE sector.

Nelson Mandela Bay’s host city presentation highlighted the city’s world-class tourism infrastructure, hospitality offerings, cultural richness, and commitment to sustainability. Following the presentation, a formal vote was conducted, with 192 out of 197 eligible delegates voting in favour of Nelson Mandela Bay, reflecting strong confidence in the city’s readiness to host an international event of this magnitude.

The South African delegation, led by Wandisile Makwabe, Acting Director of EDTA, and supported by MMC Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga, Doné Louw, and Siphokazi Ngombane, actively engaged with global tourism leaders, Skål executives, and sponsors. Many delegates were influential business owners, including proprietors of hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, and travel technology companies. Hosting this audience offered Nelson Mandela Bay an unparalleled opportunity to showcase its capabilities and position itself as a premier destination for MICE and tourism in South Africa and the broader Eastern Cape region.

The Congress programme included plenary sessions, workshops, gala dinners, structured networking events, and an immersive cultural tour to the Sacred Valley. These experiences provided the delegation with valuable insights and benchmarking opportunities to ensure the 2026 event meets the highest international standards.

Participation in the 2025 Congress allowed Nelson Mandela Bay to secure high-level support for delegate attendance, identify tourism investment opportunities, and establish long-term strategic partnerships. The inclusion of cultural excursions, such as the Sacred Valley tour, highlighted the importance of integrating experiential tourism into the Congress programme, reinforcing the city’s commitment to sustainable and immersive experiences for international visitors.

The success of the 2026 Skål International World Congress is of strategic importance to Nelson Mandela Bay. It represents a unique opportunity to demonstrate the city’s capacity to host world-class international events, generate significant economic impact, attract investment, and strengthen the region’s global reputation in the tourism and business events sectors. A successful Congress will provide lasting benefits to local businesses, SMMEs, and communities while positioning South Africa as a leader in high-quality, sustainable business tourism.