Discover Nelson Mandela Bay has officially partnered with the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026, strengthening efforts to promote coastal and marine tourism opportunities across the continent.
The highly anticipated tourism trade event will take place from 17–20 March 2026 at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium and will bring together tourism stakeholders, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond.
Exhibitor registration for the event is already 50% full, reflecting strong interest from businesses looking to participate in one of Africa’s most exciting tourism and blue economy platforms.
About Discover Nelson Mandela Bay
Discover Nelson Mandela Bay serves as the official tourism information hub for Port Elizabeth and the broader Nelson Mandela Bay.
Known as the “Friendly City” and often referred to as the water sport capital of Africa, the destination offers visitors a perfect combination of coastal beauty, adventure, culture, and family-friendly experiences.
Located approximately 763 km east of Cape Town, Nelson Mandela Bay is regarded as the official gateway to the Eastern Cape and the world-renowned Garden Route.
The metro includes the cities of:
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Gqeberha (Formely Port Elizabeth)
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Uitenhage
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Despatch
With a population of over 1.5 million people, it is South Africa’s fifth-largest city by population and one of the country’s most diverse tourism destinations.
A World-Class Coastal Tourism Destination
Situated along the Indian Ocean and overlooking Algoa Bay, Nelson Mandela Bay offers year-round tourism experiences thanks to its warm summers and mild winters.
Visitors can enjoy a wide range of ocean-based activities including:
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Sailing
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Scuba diving
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Snorkelling
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Kite surfing
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Fishing and angling
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Canoeing and boating
Marine wildlife is another major attraction, with opportunities to see dolphins, whales, seals, and even ragged-tooth sharks on guided boat tours.
The region is also home to beautiful beaches such as Humewood Beach, which has received international recognition for cleanliness, safety, and environmental standards.
Gateway to Adventure and Wildlife
Nelson Mandela Bay also serves as a gateway to some of South Africa’s most spectacular travel routes and wildlife destinations.
Nearby attractions include:
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Addo Elephant National Park
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The Sunshine Coast
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Frontier Country
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Sundays River Valley
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Tsitsikamma and the Garden Route
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The Karoo Heartland
The region provides access to more than a million hectares of malaria-free game reserves, making it one of the most accessible safari destinations in South Africa.
Tourism, Culture and Business Hub
Beyond nature and adventure, Nelson Mandela Bay offers a vibrant urban tourism experience with modern infrastructure, entertainment venues, shopping malls, restaurants, festivals, and cultural attractions.
Historic architecture across the city reflects a rich heritage spanning Victorian, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and modern styles, with the city centre hosting one of the largest collections of Art Deco buildings in South Africa.
Township tourism also plays a vital role in the destination, where visitors can experience local culture, history, and the spirit of Ubuntu through guided community tours.
Driving the Blue Economy Through Partnership
Through its partnership with the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026, Discover Nelson Mandela Bay aims to strengthen the region’s position as a leading destination for marine tourism, investment, and sustainable development.
The event will showcase coastal tourism opportunities, facilitate networking between industry leaders, and support emerging tourism enterprises across Africa.
With exhibitor space already 50% booked, businesses interested in showcasing their products, services, and destinations are encouraged to register soon to secure their place at this landmark event.
