GQEBERHA – The Capital Boardwalk has officially opened along the Nelson Mandela Bay beachfront, bringing a R270 million investment to the city’s tourism and hospitality sector.
The development brings 145 designer rooms and apartments to Gqeberha’s coastal, adding to the metro’s accommodation capacity
Chief Executive Officer of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, Denise van Huyssteen, described the project as “a clear vote of confidence in Nelson Mandela Bay’s potential as a premier investment and leisure destination,” noting that it not only enhances the city’s accommodation offering but also strengthens its ability to attract both business and leisure travellers.
Beyond its appeal to visitors, the development is expected to have a meaningful impact on local livelihoods.
Van Huyssteen highlighted that “the creation of 200 permanent jobs is a significant boost for local employment,” reinforcing the role of private sector investment in driving inclusive economic growth within the metro.
She added that the benefits would extend well beyond direct employment, with the investment expected to “stimulate downstream economic activity through supply chains, local procurement and increased visitor spend across the hospitality, retail and services sectors.”
According to Van Huyssteen, its location, quality offering and scale will “support efforts to attract conferences, events and international visitors, ultimately increasing occupancy rates and extending visitor stays.”
The investment also aligns with broader efforts to revitalise key precincts within Nelson Mandela Bay.
Van Huyssteen noted that it “signals growing confidence in the Bay’s urban renewal and beachfront development initiatives,” which are critical to unlocking further opportunities for infrastructure development, small business participation and precinct revitalisation.
The Chamber has commended all stakeholders involved in bringing the project to fruition, emphasising that the development represents more than just a new hospitality asset.
As Van Huyssteen concluded, it is “not just a milestone for the hospitality sector, but a catalyst for growth, investment and the revitalisation of our tourism economy,” reinforcing the view that tourism remains “low-hanging fruit in terms of its potential to create jobs within the Bay of Opportunity.”
