Durban: Nelson Mandela Bay has strengthened its position as one of South Africa's leading tourism destinations with the deployment of a new cohort of Tourism Safety Officers across key tourism precincts and the city's internationally acclaimed beachfront.
According to South African Government News Agency, the initiative forms part of the Nelson Mandela Bay Coastal Tourism Policing Initiative, a strategic partnership between the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA), the Tourism Business Council of South Africa (TBCSA), the South African Police Service (SAPS), Metro Police, and tourism stakeholders.
The deployment represents a significant investment in visitor safety and destination competitiveness, aligning with 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 in tourism hotspots, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for both residents and visitors.
Nelson Mandela Bay Executive Mayor, Babalwa Lobishe, said the initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to becoming the destination of choice for domestic and international travelers. She emphasized that tourism is a crucial driver of economic growth, job creation, and investment in the city.
The deployment of Tourism Safety Officers is seen as a direct investment in visitor confidence and destination excellence. The mayor highlighted that it sends a strong message about Nelson Mandela Bay's commitment to providing a safe, welcoming, and memorable experience for all who visit the city.
Tourism Business Council of South Africa Chief Executive Officer Tshifhiwa Tshivhengwa noted that the initiative highlights the value of industry-led investment in tourism safety. Through the Tourism Marketing South Africa (TOMSA) Collaborative Fund, tourism businesses are directly investing in initiatives that enhance destination safety and competitiveness.
Funded through a partnership between the TOMSA Collaborative Fund and the MBDA, the programme equips officers with specialized training, vehicles, communication equipment, and operational support structures designed to enhance coordination between tourism stakeholders and law enforcement agencies.
Tourism remains a strategic economic sector for both Nelson Mandela Bay and South Africa, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing significantly to local economic development. The municipality stated that the deployment forms part of the city's broader Tourism Safety Plan, aiming to improve visitor experiences, strengthen destination competitiveness, and attract increased tourism investment.