The Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality has officially signed a three-year partnership agreement with the Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Trade Market (ACMMTTM), solidifying its position as the long-term home of Africa’s flagship coastal and marine tourism event. This strategic move reflects the Metro’s commitment to driving inclusive tourism growth, ocean-based development, and long-term investment into the region’s blue economy.
As one of the country’s eight metropolitan municipalities, Nelson Mandela Bay spans Gqeberha, Uitenhage, Despatch, and surrounding rural landscapes. Its natural coastline, cultural diversity, and economic importance make it a fitting host city for a major continental platform that continues to expand year after year.
The announcement follows the acclaimed 2025 ACMMTTM, which wrapped up at the Tramways Building with high praise from delegates, government leaders, and industry partners.
A Powerful Conclusion to the 2025 Edition
The Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Trade Market 2025 delivered two days of dynamic discussions, cross-sector collaboration, cultural celebration, and visionary leadership. The event highlighted the essential role of sustainable coastal tourism in unlocking Africa’s economic potential while spotlighting the importance of women, youth, and community-driven development in the maritime space.
Government Leaders Emphasise Inclusive Growth
The event featured a robust government presence throughout:
Minister Patricia de Lille
The Minister’s official walkabout underscored national support for marine tourism. Her engagement with exhibitors reaffirmed the Department’s priorities: sustainability, community upliftment, destination marketing, and strengthening local tourism economies.
Deputy Minister Makhotso “Maggie” Sotyu
In her address, the Deputy Minister championed:
- the growth of domestic tourism
- empowerment of women in fisheries and small enterprises
- equitable access to tourism opportunities
- sustainable ocean resource management
- tourism as a tool for nation-building
Her message focused on real inclusion—ensuring everyday South Africans benefit from tourism’s economic impact.
Experts, Researchers & Entrepreneurs Drive New Thinking
The programme featured a strong line-up of respected voices in the African coastal and marine tourism landscape:
- Anelisa Vena (SAIMI) – unpacked climate vulnerability, infrastructure barriers, and the need for community-focused tourism models.
- Dr. Nomtha Hadi (SAIMI) – championed research excellence, maritime education, and women’s leadership in the sector.
- Oupa Pilane (SATSA) – advocated for the integration of township tourism and small-scale enterprises into mainstream tourism supply chains.
- Siira M. Mutseke (Uganda) – showcased Uganda’s authentic attractions and positioned East Africa as a vital partner in continental tourism development.
Their contributions created a strong knowledge-driven foundation for future coastal innovation across Africa.
Partnerships Strengthening the Blue Economy
The event gained broad support from travel, tourism, aviation, hospitality, environmental, and municipal partners. Notable contributors included:
- South African Airways – travel partner
- Radisson Blu Hotel – accommodation partner
- Diageo SA – sponsor of the networking experience
- DFFE – environmental and coastal conservation support
- MSC Cruises, SAT, ConfSpot, Peri Expo, SANTACO, Voyages Afriq, Discover NMB Tourism – strategic event supporters
Together, these partnerships expanded the reach and impact of the Trade Market.
Community, Culture, and Learning at the Heart of the Event
The conference blended academic depth, policy guidance, business engagement, and cultural vibrancy:
- Hospitality and tourism students from Nelson Mandela University gained real workplace experience as volunteers.
- The networking party at Club Iza, featuring DJ Webster, brought a lively celebration of African coastal culture.
- The Golf Day provided an ideal setting for meaningful connections between business leaders and government representatives.
These elements created a holistic event experience that celebrated Africa’s diverse coastal identity.
A Long-Term Vision: Nelson Mandela Bay Becomes the Official Home of ACMMTTM
The signing of the three-year hosting agreement marks an important milestone for both the Metro and the event. The partnership will:
- elevate Nelson Mandela Bay as a continental hub for marine tourism
- strengthen local tourism value chains and job creation
- attract domestic and international visitors
- position the Metro as a leader in coastal innovation and blue economy development
- reinforce long-term investment into infrastructure and tourism services
The Metro’s coastline, port infrastructure, cultural energy, and tourism assets make it an ideal anchor city for ACMMTTM’s future growth.
Looking Ahead: A Strong Foundation for 2026 and Beyond
As ACMMTTM 2025 ends on a high note, the future looks promising. From cross-border collaboration to community-led initiatives, the event showcased how Africa’s coastlines can become powerful engines of diversity, opportunity, and economic transformation.
The partnership between ACMMTTM and the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality now sets the stage for:
✔ continued research-driven tourism development
✔ wider community participation
✔ increased tourism investment
✔ an empowered young workforce
✔ a unified continental approach to marine and coastal tourism
This is more than an event—it is becoming one of Africa’s most important tourism movements.
