The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference officially commenced with a warm and inspiring welcome from Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality.
Addressing delegates from across the tourism and maritime sectors, Mayor Lobishe welcomed guests to Nelson Mandela Bay, positioning the city as a strategic hub for coastal and marine tourism development in South Africa.
A Warm Welcome to a Strategic Tourism Hub
In her opening remarks, Mayor Lobishe emphasised the importance of hosting the conference in Nelson Mandela Bay, a city known for its rich coastal assets, vibrant tourism offerings and growing role in the blue economy.
She highlighted that the conference presents a significant opportunity to showcase the region’s tourism potential, while also creating a platform for collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders and local communities.
Unlocking Coastal and Marine Tourism Opportunities
The Mayor underscored the importance of coastal and marine tourism as key drivers of economic growth, particularly in cities like Nelson Mandela Bay where the ocean plays a central role in both the economy and lifestyle.
She encouraged stakeholders to explore opportunities in:
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Marine-based tourism experiences
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Coastal investment and infrastructure development
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Job creation through tourism value chains
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Sustainable tourism practices that protect marine ecosystems
Her message reinforced the need for inclusive growth, ensuring that tourism development benefits local communities while preserving the natural environment.
Collaboration for Sustainable Growth
Mayor Lobishe further highlighted the importance of partnerships in advancing tourism development, noting that collaboration between government, industry leaders, investors and entrepreneurs is essential to unlocking the full potential of the sector.
The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Conference brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including policymakers, tourism professionals, academics and innovators, all working towards a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive tourism growth across Africa’s coastal regions.
Positioning Nelson Mandela Bay on the Global Stage
By hosting the conference, Nelson Mandela Bay continues to strengthen its position as a key destination for tourism investment and innovation.
Mayor Lobishe’s welcome address set the tone for the conference, encouraging delegates to engage meaningfully, share knowledge and build partnerships that will contribute to the long-term development of Africa’s coastal tourism sector.
Her leadership and vision reflect the city’s commitment to growing tourism, attracting investment and showcasing Nelson Mandela Bay as a leading coastal destination.
