GQEBERHA – The deployment of a new group of Tourism Safety Officers across key tourism areas in Nelson Mandela Bay is expected to strengthen visitor safety, support economic growth and improve the city’s appeal as a tourism destination.
The initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a partnership involving the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African Police Service, Metro Police and tourism stakeholders.
The officers have been deployed to major tourism precincts and along the city’s beachfront, where they will conduct visible patrols, assist visitors, respond to incidents and support law enforcement operations.
According to the municipality, the programme aligns with the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Sector Master Plan, which identifies safety, destination management, job creation and tourism growth as priorities for the sector.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor Babalwa Lobishe said tourism remains an important contributor to the local economy.
“Every visitor who chooses Nelson Mandela Bay supports local businesses, creates employment opportunities and contributes to the growth of our local economy,” she said.
Lobishe said the deployment of the officers was an investment in visitor confidence and would help position the city as a leading coastal destination and gateway to the Eastern Cape.
Tourism Business Council of South Africa chief executive officer, Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa, said the initiative demonstrated the value of collaboration between the tourism industry and government.
“Through the TOMSA Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are investing directly in initiatives that make destinations safer and more competitive,” he said.
The programme is funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA.
Officers have received specialised training and are equipped with vehicles, communication equipment and operational support structures aimed at improving coordination between tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
The municipality said the deployment forms part of its broader Tourism Safety Plan, which seeks to improve the visitor experience, strengthen destination competitiveness and attract further tourism investment.
Tourism remains a key economic sector for both Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing to local economic development.
Municipal officials said the initiative would help create a safer environment for visitors while supporting efforts to attract tourism, events and investment to the region.
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