South African Tourism has been confirmed as an official partner of the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026, strengthening its commitment to sustainable tourism development and the growth of Africa’s blue economy. The organisation is also a sponsor of the Trade Market Networking Event, a key feature of the multi-day programme. They will also be exhibiting at the trade market event.
The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market 2026 will take place from 17 to 20 March 2026 at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha. The event is positioned as a premier continental platform dedicated to unlocking opportunities in coastal and marine tourism across Africa, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation and inclusive growth.
Multi-Day Programme Showcasing Africa’s Coastal Potential
The event opens on 17 March 2026 with a Golf Day, designed to facilitate informal networking among industry leaders, investors and decision-makers. This will be followed by the Main Trade Exhibition and Conference on 18 and 19 March, where exhibitors, buyers and stakeholders will engage on trade opportunities, policy development and best practices in coastal and maritime tourism.
The programme concludes on 20 March with a dedicated Career Day aimed at tourism and hospitality students. This final day is intended to bridge the gap between education and industry, offering young people exposure to career pathways within the marine and coastal tourism sector.
Organisers say the structure of the event reflects a deliberate effort to combine business development, knowledge sharing and skills development under one roof.
Strengthening the Blue Economy Through Tourism
The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market brings together entrepreneurs, government leaders, investors, buyers, tourism professionals, students and private sector stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. Its core objective is to unlock the potential of the blue economy by fostering partnerships that drive sustainable coastal tourism, trade and development.
By partnering with the event, South African Tourism is reinforcing South Africa’s role as a leading coastal destination and a strategic gateway for tourism growth on the continent. The partnership also aligns with broader national and continental goals around sustainability, job creation and inclusive economic participation.
Role of South African Tourism
South African Tourism is the official tourism marketing arm of the South African government. Its mandate is to promote the country both domestically and internationally as a destination for leisure, business and events tourism.
Since the dawn of democracy in 1994, South African Tourism has expanded from a limited international presence into a global tourism organisation with offices around the world. Its mission is to market and share what is unique, warm and compelling about South Africa through authentic experiences.
The organisation’s work extends beyond marketing alone, with a strong emphasis on supporting transformation and ensuring that tourism contributes meaningfully to economic and social development.
Tourism Growth Strategy and National Impact
South African Tourism’s long-term goal is to position tourism as the leading economic sector in South Africa. Central to this vision is the promotion of sustainable economic growth and social empowerment for all South Africans.
As part of its Tourism Growth Strategy, the organisation focuses on increasing the number of tourists visiting the country, expanding the geographic spread of tourism, encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spend, and improving seasonal arrival patterns. Transformation of the industry also remains a priority, particularly in ensuring that historically disadvantaged South Africans benefit from tourism opportunities.
The partnership with the Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market reflects these objectives, particularly in relation to regional integration and the promotion of southern Africa as a connected and diverse tourism destination.
A Strategic Platform for Africa’s Coastal Future
The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market is expected to play a critical role in shaping conversations around sustainable coastal tourism in Africa. With increasing global attention on responsible travel and environmental protection, coastal and marine tourism presents both opportunities and challenges for African destinations.
By convening stakeholders from across the value chain, the event aims to encourage innovation, support responsible investment and create practical pathways for inclusive growth within the blue economy.
Industry participants and interested attendees can find more information and register for attendance via the official event platform at marinetourism.co.za.
