Countdown begins for Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism Trade Market in Nelson Mandela Bay.

Image by: Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality.

With only a few days left before the Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism Trade Market 2026, the Nelson Mandela Bay community is preparing to gather for an important conversation about the future of Africa’s coastal and marine tourism sector. From 17 to 20 March 2026, industry leaders, policymakers, academics, investors, and tourism stakeholders will converge at the iconic Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium for three days of dialogue, exhibitions, and networking focused on unlocking the continent’s ocean economy.

Hosted by the Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism Alliance (ACMMTA), the event aims to position Africa’s oceans, coastlines, rivers, and inland waterways as key drivers of economic growth and tourism development. Organisers believe the continent’s marine and maritime assets remain largely underutilised, and the trade market will serve as a platform to showcase opportunities for investment, innovation, and sustainable tourism development.

According to ACMMTA Chairman Lusanda Fibi, the initiative forms part of a broader effort to develop Africa’s coastal and inland-waterways tourism subsector. The alliance seeks to stimulate investment, support local communities, and package coastal experiences into globally competitive tourism products. By doing so, the organisers hope to broaden the international perception of Africa beyond its well-known safari tourism offering.

Delegates attending the event will include representatives from government, tourism organisations, academic institutions, and private-sector businesses. The programme will begin on 18 March with an official opening ceremony featuring welcome remarks from the Executive Mayor of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan Municipality, Babalwa Lobishe, followed by remarks from the Eastern Cape MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Ntomboxolo Pieters. The keynote address will be delivered by the Deputy Minister of Tourism, setting the tone for discussions around the future of marine and maritime tourism in Africa.

Over the first two days, the stadium will host a trade expo and conference sessions covering a wide range of topics, including policy development, investment opportunities, sustainability, and the economic impact of coastal tourism. Delegates will also explore areas such as product development, market access, and cruise tourism through presentations by industry experts and institutions including South African Tourism, Nelson Mandela University, and SANCCOB.

Parallel sessions will focus on sustainability and innovation within the blue economy, highlighting strategies to protect coastal environments while expanding tourism opportunities. Additional discussions will examine how skills development, entrepreneurship, and inclusive participation can empower coastal communities and create employment in maritime-related sectors.

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The final day of the event will shift the focus to youth development with a dedicated Career Day designed to expose learners, students, and young professionals to opportunities in tourism, maritime industries, and the broader blue economy. The programme will include career talks, panel discussions, and exhibitions by educational institutions and industry stakeholders.

As delegates and organisers prepare to spend the coming days at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, the event promises to spark meaningful collaboration and new partnerships. Ultimately, the Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism Trade Market 2026 aims to chart a new course for Africa’s tourism narrative, one that recognises the vast potential of its oceans and coastal communities.

For more, visit:  Africa Coastal Marine and Maritime Tourism