Nelson Mandela Bay on mission to improve dwindling tourist numbers

As the Easter holiday approaches, the vibrant coastal municipality of Nelson Mandela Bay stands at a crossroads.

With its stunning beaches and rich cultural heritage, the region has long been a favoured destination for tourists.

However, recent statistics reveal a concerning trend, bed occupancy rates have plummeted from 69% in 2019 to just 57% in 2024.

This decline not only reflects a downturn in tourism but also signals broader economic stagnation in the Eastern Cape.

Deputy Minister of Tourism Maggie Sotyu says they are working closely with stakeholders to make sure tourist come to the Bay.

“We are working together as the municipality and province. We have established safety forums where we will pull other stakeholders to be part of the forums in order for us to fight together and also try market Gqeberha as a safety destination because people from other provinces, you go to other provinces where there are beaches, they also tell us not to go to Gqeberha. We want to take away that mentality, people must feel safe in Gqeberha.”