In a moment of national significance for South Africa’s tourism sector, Minister of Tourism Patricia de Lille paid a visit to the Africa Coastal Maritime and Marine Tourism Trade Market, held at the iconic Tramways Building in Gqeberha.
During her official walkabout, Minister de Lille engaged with exhibitors, youth volunteers, and representatives from across the public and private sectors. While she did not deliver a formal address, her presence at the event was a clear endorsement of the growing importance of coastal and marine tourism in the country’s broader economic and sustainability agenda.
The Minister’s visit spotlighted the Department of Tourism’s continued support for community-driven tourism, public-private collaboration, and the advancement of inclusive, ocean-based development.
Hosted in Nelson Mandela Bay, the Trade Market serves as a dynamic platform where stakeholders from tourism, environment, transport, agriculture, and logistics converge to unlock opportunities within Africa’s blue economy.
“Having Minister de Lille physically present at the event was deeply symbolic,” said an organizer. “It shows that marine and coastal tourism is not just an emerging niche — it’s a national priority.”
The event also featured insights from other high-ranking government officials, including:
- Deputy Minister of Tourism, Hon. Makhotso Sotyu, who shared her vision for domestic tourism and women’s inclusion in fisheries and coastal enterprises.
The Africa Coastal Marine Tourism Trade Market continues to attract support from both public institutions and private partners including SANTACO, South African Airways, Radisson Blu Hotel, SAIMI, Leonora Group, MSC Cruise, ConfSpot and Diageo SA to name a few— reinforcing its role as one of the most influential tourism gatherings on the continent.
