A dynamic and insightful panel discussion took centre stage at the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference, bringing together influential leaders from government, academia and the tourism industry to unpack critical issues around policy, investment, empowerment and sector growth.
The session was expertly chaired by Siphokazi Ngombane, Acting Director for Tourism within the Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture Directorate at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.
A Powerful Line-Up of Industry Leaders
The panel featured a strong lineup of speakers, including:
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Morton Gericke, Executive Deputy Mayor of Knysna
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Nozipho Booi, Economic Development Strategist
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Malwande Bhanqo Nkalitshana from Nelson Mandela University
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Glenton de Kock, CEO of the Southern African Association for the Conference Industry
Together, the panel brought diverse perspectives from local government, academia and the conference and tourism industry.
Policy and Strategic Direction
Discussions highlighted the importance of clear, enabling policies to support tourism development, particularly within coastal and marine environments. Panelists emphasised that policy frameworks must be aligned with economic growth objectives, sustainability goals and community development priorities.
Unlocking Investment Opportunities
Investment emerged as a key theme, with speakers stressing the need to create an attractive environment for both local and international investors.
The panel explored how:
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Public-private partnerships can accelerate tourism growth
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Investment-ready projects can unlock funding opportunities
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Infrastructure development plays a critical role in destination competitiveness
Empowering Communities and SMEs
A strong focus was placed on empowerment and inclusion, particularly for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Panelists highlighted the need to:
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Integrate local businesses into the tourism value chain
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Provide access to funding and market opportunities
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Support community-based tourism initiatives
This approach ensures that tourism growth translates into real economic benefits for local communities.
Insights on Industry Growth and Collaboration
The discussion also touched on the importance of collaboration across sectors, with stakeholders encouraged to work together to build a more resilient and competitive tourism industry.
From academic research to industry insights and government leadership, the panel demonstrated how multi-sector collaboration can drive innovation and sustainable development.
Driving the Future of Coastal Tourism
Hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay, the panel session reflected the broader goals of the conference—to position Africa’s coastal regions as key drivers of tourism growth, investment and economic transformation.
The engaging discussion provided delegates with valuable insights and practical strategies to advance tourism development, making it one of the standout sessions of the event.
