Nelson Mandela Bay has deployed Tourism Safety Officers to strengthen visitor confidence, support tourism growth and create safer experiences across key attractions.
Nelson Mandela Bay has reinforced its position as one of South Africa’s leading tourism destinations through the deployment of a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers across major tourism precincts and its internationally recognised beachfront.
The initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a collaborative programme involving the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police and tourism stakeholders.
The deployment reflects a strategic investment in destination safety, visitor confidence and tourism competitiveness while supporting broader economic development objectives.
Tourism remains one of the most important drivers of economic growth and job creation in Nelson Mandela Bay, supporting thousands of livelihoods and contributing significantly to local businesses and investment opportunities.
The newly trained Tourism Safety Officers will provide visible patrols, visitor assistance, incident response services and law enforcement support within tourism hotspots. Their presence is expected to improve safety perceptions while helping visitors navigate and enjoy the city with confidence.
The programme aligns with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Sector Master Plan, which identifies safety, destination management, tourism growth and employment creation as critical priorities for growing South Africa’s tourism economy.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the initiative demonstrates the city’s commitment to creating a world-class tourism destination.
“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,” said Lobishe.
She added that investing in tourism safety is also an investment in the city’s future.
“The deployment of Tourism Safety Officers sends a strong message that Nelson Mandela Bay is committed to providing a safe, welcoming and memorable experience for all who visit our city.”
Lobishe said the city continues to position itself as South Africa’s premier coastal destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape, with tourism playing a central role in attracting visitors, events and investment.
The initiative also highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in supporting tourism development.
Tourism Business Council of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa said the programme demonstrates how industry-led funding can contribute directly to destination competitiveness.
Through the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are investing in practical solutions that improve visitor experiences while supporting local tourism ecosystems.
“Safety is not only a public-sector responsibility; it is a tourism imperative. This partnership reflects the industry’s commitment to creating environments where visitors can explore with confidence and local tourism businesses can thrive,” said Tshivhengwa.
Funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA, the programme provides officers with specialised training, operational vehicles, communication equipment and support systems designed to improve coordination between law enforcement agencies and tourism stakeholders.
Beyond improving safety, the initiative is expected to contribute to local economic development by enhancing the destination’s reputation and encouraging increased visitor spending.
Research consistently shows that safety remains one of the most important considerations for travellers when choosing destinations. By strengthening visible tourism policing and support services, Nelson Mandela Bay aims to enhance its appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
The municipality said the deployment forms part of a broader Tourism Safety Plan focused on improving visitor experiences, strengthening destination competitiveness and creating conditions for sustainable tourism growth.
As South Africa continues to position tourism as a key economic sector, initiatives such as the Tourism Safety Officer programme demonstrate how collaborative action can help unlock opportunities for local communities while ensuring visitors feel safe, welcomed and encouraged to return.
The deployment further reinforces Nelson Mandela Bay’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive and globally competitive tourism destination capable of showcasing the best of the Eastern Cape while creating economic opportunities for its residents.
