GQEBERHA – Nelson Mandela Bay’s cruise tourism sector generated an estimated R111 million for the local economy during the 2025/26 season, up from R96.5 million the previous season.
The latest figures were presented during a review of the cruise season, bringing together tourism operators, cruise industry representatives, tour guides, hospitality businesses and other stakeholders with the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
The city welcomed 39 international cruise vessels during the season, carrying 59,077 passengers and 22,994 crew members.
According to the municipality, visitors spent money across a range of local businesses and services, including accommodation, restaurants, transport, retail, cultural and wildlife experiences, township tourism and attractions.
Making every cruise visit count
The municipality’s Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate said the review was intended to identify areas for improvement while building on the successes of the season.
Among the issues identified were the need for stronger coordination within elements of the security cluster, greater support for emerging tourism entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities and improved operational efficiencies around harbour access.
The city said it had already taken steps to increase security visibility, including the launch of beachfront security patrollers in June and greater law-enforcement visibility in partnership with other agencies.
Security and access flagged for improvement
Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the willingness of tourism stakeholders to identify challenges and areas for improvement was an indication of stronger partnerships within the sector.
“The most successful destinations in the world are those that never stop learning,” Lobishe said.
She said the city’s Tourism Master Plan provided a long-term framework for using tourism to drive inclusive economic development.
“Every cruise ship that arrives in our city creates opportunities far beyond the harbour,” she said.According to Lobishe, cruise visitors support restaurants, guesthouses, township tourism operators, craft producers, transport businesses, tour guides and local attractions.
The municipality said cruise tourism also provides an opportunity to introduce international visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay’s beaches, biodiversity, cultural heritage, wildlife, adventure activities and hospitality.It said cruise tourism could have benefits beyond the initial visit, with some passengers extending their stays or returning to the destination independently.
Preparations for the next cruise season are already under way, with lessons from the latest review expected to inform operational planning, visitor services, destination experiences and support programmes for tourism businesses.
Lobishe said that the city wanted to build a reputation that extended beyond being a port of call.
“We want Nelson Mandela Bay to be remembered not simply as a port of call, but as a destination that surprises visitors with its warmth, authenticity, natural beauty and unforgettable experiences,” she said.
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