The robust collaboration between Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) and local tour guides and operators has been pivotal in the city’s burgeoning cruise tourism sector. The Tourist Guide Association of Mandela Bay (TGAMB) acknowledges that this partnership has significantly propelled post-COVID-19 growth.
TGAMB’s Chairperson, Luxolo Kanti, highlighted that the cruise industry serves as both a catalyst and gateway to the region’s broader tourism expansion. He noted that joint efforts with the municipality have fostered diversity and inclusivity within the sector. Emerging tour guides and operators have benefited from training in digital marketing, tourism best practices, and cruise tourism packaging, enhancing their ability to promote both the city and their enterprises globally.
Kanti also praised the municipality’s receptiveness to industry input in policy development, while acknowledging the need for continuous improvement to remain competitive against other major cities.
Recent Successes
Mayor Babalwa Lobishe reported that Nelson Mandela Bay has welcomed 34 cruise vessels since the season commenced in November, with a total of 45 expected. In March alone, seven vessels docked, five of which had overnight stays. The season anticipates 15 vessels staying multiple days, amounting to a combined 61 days in port.
The current cruise season is projected to generate approximately R100 million in economic benefits, an increase from R85 million in the 2023/24 season. This forecast is based on an estimated 50,000 passengers spending on tours, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences throughout Nelson Mandela Bay, thereby boosting the local economy and showcasing the city’s rich cultural diversity.
Enhancing Tourism Appeal
Aligning with the city’s Tourism Master Plan, initiatives are underway to bolster the region’s tourism allure. These include developing new cultural and heritage routes, promoting township tourism through community forums, and expanding event strategies to attract international visitors.
Bassie Kamana, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism, and Agriculture, emphasised the municipality’s dedication to positioning the city as a premier tourist destination and fostering a thriving community for residents. Collaborations with stakeholders aim to encourage passengers to explore the region’s private game reserves, cultural sites, and local businesses, ensuring that visitors not only stay overnight but also engage with and invest in local attractions.
Strategic infrastructure investments have been made to enhance port facilities, tourism products, and heritage sites, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for cruise tourists. Additionally, the NMBM has prioritised tourist safety and hospitality by training and recruiting youth with tourism backgrounds to serve as ambassadors.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
Globally, the cruise industry has demonstrated substantial economic impact. In 2023, it generated a record $168.6 billion in total economic output, supporting approximately 1.6 million jobs worldwide.
Seatrade Cruise News This equates to roughly one full-time job for every 30 cruise passengers.
Applying this ratio, the anticipated 50,000 cruise passengers visiting Nelson Mandela Bay this season could potentially support around 1,665 jobs in the region. This job creation is particularly significant for the Eastern Cape province, where tourism is recognised as a vital driver of local economic development, offering both formal and informal employment opportunities, improving living standards, and attracting foreign investment.
Job Creation as a Human Right
Job creation is fundamentally linked to the right to work, a principle enshrined in various human rights frameworks. Employment not only provides individuals with income but also with dignity, purpose, and a sense of contribution to society. In the context of South Africa, focusing on job creation is essential to address historical inequalities, reduce poverty, and promote social stability.
South Africa’s Focus on Employment
South Africa’s emphasis on job creation stems from the need to tackle high unemployment rates and stimulate economic growth. By investing in sectors like tourism, which have high employment multipliers, the country aims to create sustainable job opportunities, empower communities, and enhance the overall quality of life for its citizens.
In conclusion, the flourishing cruise tourism industry in Nelson Mandela Bay exemplifies the positive outcomes of strategic partnerships, targeted investments, and a commitment to inclusive growth, reinforcing the critical role of job creation in advancing human rights and economic development.