Nelson Mandela Bay's beachfront has seen significant improvements in safety, thanks to the deployment of 17 tourism safety officers, increased CCTV coverage, and improved lighting. The Mandela Bay Development Agency has contributed to the progress by increasing camera coverage. Additionally, the municipality has installed high-mast LED lighting in the area, enhancing visibility after dark. While safety has improved, concerns remain regarding vandalism and theft of public infrastructure.
According to Glenn Pappin, regional representative of the Federated Hospitality Association of Southern Africa, the beachfront is safer than it was a year ago, but more security measures are still needed. Pappin emphasized that vandalism and theft of public infrastructure continue to undermine efforts to improve the beachfront. He stressed that the municipality needs to deploy an adequate number of security personnel to protect public assets and prevent further damage.
The improvements in safety come as tourism businesses prepare for the festive season, a crucial period for the local economy. Denise van Huyssteen, chief executive of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber, noted that the holiday period is expected to create opportunities for tourism and travel-related businesses to increase revenue, expand operations, and generate employment. However, she identified several challenges facing the metro, including visitor safety, unreliable infrastructure, and poor road conditions.
To address these challenges, van Huyssteen emphasized the need for closer cooperation between the municipality, businesses, and other stakeholders. The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber's 12 geographic business clusters provide a platform for businesses to raise local concerns and work with the municipality on interventions relating to safety, infrastructure, and cleanliness. The chamber's Tourism Economic Development Desk aims to support the growth of tourism by strengthening the tourism value chain and supporting emerging entrepreneurs.
Shaun van Eck of Discover Nelson Mandela Bay highlighted the importance of attracting families during the summer school holidays. He noted that school holiday tourism figures had declined considerably between 2024 and 2025, making the family market a priority. Van Eck emphasized that tourism marketing increasingly depends on visitors sharing their experiences on social media, making it essential to provide holiday activities that families would want to experience and promote.
Van Eck pointed to Jeffreys Bay's summer holiday programme as an example of what could be achieved, suggesting that Nelson Mandela Bay needs to offer more free activities for families. The summer holiday period is particularly important to the local tourism economy, as conferences, major events, and business travel generally decline during this time. The World Lifesaving Championships, taking place at the beginning of December, are expected to provide a welcome boost to the metro's tourism sector.
Ultimately, Nelson Mandela Bay aims to create a stronger, more sustainable tourism economy that generates meaningful employment, particularly for the youth. The municipality and stakeholders must work together to address the challenges facing the metro and provide a safe and attractive environment for visitors. By doing so, Nelson Mandela Bay can capitalize on the festive season and beyond, ensuring a prosperous tourism industry for years to come.
Key points
- Nelson Mandela Bay's beachfront has seen improvements in safety, but vandalism and poor infrastructure remain concerns.
- The festive season is expected to create seasonal employment opportunities in Nelson Mandela Bay, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
- Attracting families during the summer school holidays is crucial for the local tourism economy, with a focus on providing free activities and promoting the area on social media.
