Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Performance – Q1 2025

Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) entered 2025 navigating a complex tourism landscape shaped by global economic uncertainty, rising travel costs, and shifting consumer behavior. The broader South African economy saw subdued growth, with the Eastern Cape recording a modest 0.1% GDP increase in Q1. These economic pressures have influenced travel decisions, particularly among domestic tourists, who are increasingly seeking value-driven experiences and alternative accommodation options. Despite these challenges, NMB demonstrated resilience and adaptability, emerging as a standout performer in the Eastern Cape’s tourism sector.

While international arrivals declined slightly, domestic tourism surged, driven by a series of high-profile events hosted in the city. These included major sporting events such as Ironman South Africa, as well as G20 business meetings, which brought thousands of visitors to the metro and stimulated local economic activity. The rise of platforms like AirBnB also continued to reshape the hospitality landscape, offering travelers more flexible and affordable lodging options.

International Tourism

In the first quarter of 2025, Nelson Mandela Bay welcomed 69,996 international visitors, reflecting a 4.3% year-on-year decline. The Eastern Cape as a whole recorded 90,908 international arrivals, down 0.9% compared to the previous year. Despite the dip, international tourists continued to show interest in the region’s top attractions. Addo Elephant National Park remained the most visited site, accounting for over 52% of international visits. Other popular destinations included Storms River, Boardwalk Mall, and the Bloukrans Bridge Bungy.

The majority of international visitors to NMB came from Germany, the United Kingdom, Zimbabwe, the United States, and the Netherlands. Visitor spend in NMB totaled R70.7 million, a 19.1% decrease year-on-year, while bednights dropped by 32%. The average length of stay for international tourists in NMB was 3.1 nights. These figures suggest a need to re-engage global markets and enhance the metro’s competitiveness as a long-stay destination.

Domestic Tourism

Domestic tourism was a standout performer for Nelson Mandela Bay in Q1 2025. The metro recorded 415,648 overnight domestic trips — an impressive 81.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This surge was largely driven by the successful hosting of several large-scale events, including Ironman South Africa and a series of G20 business meetings, which attracted thousands of visitors to the city. These events not only boosted visitor numbers but also contributed significantly to local economic activity.

Visitors spent approximately R703 million in NMB, with an average stay of 2.5 nights. While these numbers highlight NMB’s growing appeal, they contrast with broader national and provincial trends. The Eastern Cape saw a 23.9% decline in domestic overnight trips, while South Africa recorded an overall drop of 2.4% in domestic travel and a 14.9% decrease in spend.

Accommodation trends in NMB showed a slight decline in formal occupancy rates compared to Q1 2024. Bednights sold decreased by 0.51% year-on-year, although a recovery was noted in Q2. AirBnB continued its upward trajectory, with a 19.6% increase in room nights sold, indicating a shift in traveler preferences toward more flexible and affordable lodging options. Formal accommodation providers in NMB still generated over R504 million in revenue across 376 facilities, underscoring their continued relevance.

Visitor feedback was largely positive, with travelers praising NMB’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and hospitality. However, concerns were raised around infrastructure, signage, and public transport—areas that present opportunities for improvement. In response, the government continues to support the tourism sector through infrastructure investment, enhanced safety measures, and streamlined visa processes, including waivers for 132 countries and the rollout of an e-visa system.

Looking ahead, strategic priorities for NMB and the Eastern Cape include a focus on eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and sustainable community development. These efforts aim to strengthen the region’s appeal, diversify its tourism offerings, and ensure long-term growth in a competitive and evolving travel landscape.