Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Imbizo 2025 Charts Bold Path for Sustainable Transformation and Market Access

The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University, successfully hosted the 2025 Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Imbizo on 10–11 September at the NMU North Campus Conference Centre. The two-day event convened government leaders, academics, tourism operators, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders to address the challenges and opportunities facing the local tourism sector.

The Imbizo was held under the national Tourism Month theme, “Tourism and Sustainable Transformation,” and served as a strategic platform to activate the city’s Tourism Master Plan, promote inclusive growth, and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.

Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe opened the Imbizo with a keynote address emphasizing tourism’s role as a vital economic engine. She highlighted the sector’s contribution to job creation, small business support, and community development, while acknowledging the recent decline in visitor numbers and economic impact.

The day’s programme focused on research-informed dialogue and the formal activation of the Tourism Master Plan. Key sessions included:

• Sustainable Transformation in Tourism, led by Professor Syden Mishi

• Community-Led Tourism, presented by Mr Mike Pantsi and Mr Lusanda Fibi

• Data and Research for Inclusive Tourism, presentations by NMU researchers: Mr Athi Ndita, Mr Philasande Runeli, Mihlali Mbangeni, and Mr Masibulele Tabata

• Open Dialogue on the Tourism Transformation Roadmap and partnership with NMU, led by Ms Siphokazi Ngombane and Mr Erenei Louw from EDTA.

The day concluded with the endorsement of a transformation roadmap and the launch of the Research, Information, Knowledge Management and Governance cluster, aimed at aligning local tourism research with national priorities.

Day 2 focused on equipping tourism entrepreneurs, SMMEs, and start-ups with practical tools for compliance, market access, and business development. MMC for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Cllr Bassie Kamana, provided strategic oversight throughout the Imbizo, reinforcing the municipality’s commitment to transformation, compliance, and inclusive growth in the tourism sector. His contributions helped shape the programme’s focus on practical development tools, stakeholder collaboration, and the activation of key pillars within the Tourism Master Plan. Deputy Executive Mayor Cllr Gary Van Niekerk delivered the keynote address, reaffirming the city’s commitment to economic growth and youth employment through tourism.

Key themes and sessions included:

• Tourist Guiding Compliance, presented by Mr Duma Maqubela of the Eastern Cape Parks and Tourism Agency (ECPTA), addressing legal entry requirements and regulatory oversight under the Tourism Act of 2014

• Tourism Transport Regulation, led by Ms Nomsa Mtshwene from the National Department of Transport, clarifying certification and licensing under the National Land Transport Act of 2009

• Cruise Season Update, delivered by Ms Andiswa Aba from EDTA

• Digital Marketing and Market Access, presented by Mr Erenei Louw, introducing the draft Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Digital Marketing Strategy and offering actionable insights for small businesses

The Imbizo concluded with closing remarks by EDTA Standing Committee member Cllr Sicelo Mleve, who commended the collaborative spirit of the event and emphasized the importance of continued stakeholder engagement.

A United Vision for Inclusive Growth The Tourism Imbizo 2025 successfully fostered dialogue, strengthened partnerships, and laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, sustainable, and competitive tourism sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. With a consolidated network of stakeholders and a shared commitment to transformation, the city is poised to become a leading destination for responsible tourism in South Africa.