NELSON MANDELA BAY PARTNERSHIP STRENGTHENS VISITOR CONFIDENCE, SUPPORTS ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ADVANCES NATIONAL TOURISM PRIORITIES.
Published: June 18, 2026<< BACK TO NEWS
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Nelson Mandela Bay has strengthened its position as one of South Africa's leading tourism destinations following the deployment of a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers across key tourism precincts and the city's internationally acclaimed beachfront.
The initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), South African Police Service, Metro Police and tourism stakeholders.
The deployment represents a significant investment in visitor safety and destination competitiveness as South Africa implements the Department of Tourism's Tourism Sector Master Plan, which identifies safety, destination management, job creation and tourism growth as key priorities for growing the national tourism economy.
The newly trained officers will provide visible patrols, visitor assistance, incident response and law enforcement support across tourism hotspots, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for residents and visitors alike.
Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Cllr Babalwa Lobishe, said the initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to becoming the destination of choice for domestic and international travelers.
"Tourism remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth, job creation and investment in our city. Every visitor who chooses Nelson Mandela Bay supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities and contributes to the growth of our local economy.
The deployment of these Tourism Safety Officers is a direct investment in visitor confidence and destination excellence. It sends a strong message that Nelson Mandela Bay is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for all who visit our city.
As we continue to position Nelson Mandela Bay as South Africa's premier coastal destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape, partnerships such as these play a critical role in enhancing our competitiveness and unlocking new opportunities for tourism growth."
Tourism Business Council of South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said the initiative demonstrates the value of industry-led investment in tourism safety.
"Through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive. These officers are a tangible example of that investment at work.
Safety is not only a public-sector responsibility; it is tourism imperative. This partnership reflects the industry's commitment to creating environments where visitors can explore with confidence and local tourism businesses can thrive."
Funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA, the programme equips officers with specialised training, vehicles, communication equipment and operational support structures designed to enhance coordination between tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
Tourism continues to be a strategic economic sector for Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local economic development. The deployment forms part of the city's broader Tourism Safety Plan aimed at improving visitor experience, strengthening destination competitiveness and attracting greater tourism investment.
The initiative further reinforces Nelson Mandela Bay's commitment to building a safe, vibrant and globally competitive destination capable of attracting visitors, events and investment while showcasing the best of the Eastern Cape and South Africa.
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