This month, we get to know :
What was your motivation to join ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½?
Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism was previously an ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ member when our destination management organisation was working towards establishing a fully-fledged Convention Bureau. As our organisational structure evolved, we transitioned from a non-profit destination marketing organisation to becoming a dedicated unit within the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. In 2023, we proudly launched the Eastern Cape's first Convention Bureau, marking a significant milestone for our province. Rejoining ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ was therefore a natural next step in our journey.
Our motivation is to connect with the global business events community, strengthen international partnerships, enhance our bidding capabilities and showcase Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape as emerging, competitive destinations for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions.
As a new ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ member, we are committed to creating meaningful connections, sharing knowledge and collaborating with industry partners to grow sustainable business events that deliver lasting economic and social benefits for both our city and the wider Eastern Cape region.
Tell us your story: How Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau started?
The journey of the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau began with a vision—to position Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape as a recognised business events destination capable of attracting conferences, meetings and incentive travel from around the world.
Several years ago, while operating as a non-profit destination marketing organisation, we embarked on the ambitious goal of establishing a fully-fledged Convention Bureau and became an ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ member. Although we had the passion and determination, funding constraints and the unprecedented impact of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the realisation of that dream.
Our journey took a positive turn when tourism became an integral function of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality. This provided the opportunity to take a fresh strategic approach to destination development. Through the development of a new Tourism Master Plan, it became evident that business events represented a significant opportunity to diversify the local visitor economy, reduce seasonality and stimulate sustainable economic growth.
Recognising this potential, the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau was identified as one of the very first implementation priorities of the Tourism Master Plan. This was followed by the development of a dedicated Business Events Strategy, providing a clear roadmap for attracting conferences, meetings and incentives to the city and the broader Eastern Cape.
In 2023, that vision became a reality with the launch of the Eastern Cape's first Convention Bureau. Since then, our focus has been on building strategic partnerships, strengthening our destination's business events offering and creating opportunities that benefit local communities, tourism businesses and the wider economy.
Rejoining ÀÖ²¥´«Ã½ marks another important milestone in our journey. It connects us with the global business events community, provides opportunities to collaborate with industry leaders and enables us to showcase Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape as an authentic, sustainable and emerging destination for international business events.
What sets Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau apart?
What truly sets the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau apart is our destination itself. Nelson Mandela Bay offers delegates an authentic South African experience where world-class business events are complemented by genuine hospitality, breathtaking natural beauty and unforgettable experiences—all within easy reach.
Known as South Africa's Friendly City, Nelson Mandela Bay has earned its reputation through the warmth and welcoming spirit of its people. Here, visitors are not simply delegates attending a conference—they become part of our community. From the moment they arrive, they are welcomed with genuine smiles, personalised service and a level of hospitality that leaves a lasting impression.
Our destination is compact, safe to navigate and exceptionally accessible. Within minutes, delegates can move seamlessly between the airport, hotels, convention venues, pristine Blue Flag beaches, restaurants and attractions, allowing them to maximise both their business and leisure experience. Few destinations offer such convenience while still providing a diverse range of experiences.
Nelson Mandela Bay also serves as the gateway to the Eastern Cape, offering delegates the opportunity to extend their stay and explore one of South Africa's most diverse regions. From Big Seven wildlife experiences in the Addo region and private game reserves to rich cultural heritage, adventure activities, township experiences and the scenic Garden Route, delegates can enjoy authentic pre- and post-conference itineraries unlike anywhere else.
At the Convention Bureau, we pride ourselves on offering a personalised, hands-on approach. We work closely with organisers, venues, hotels, service providers and stakeholders to deliver tailored support throughout the event lifecycle, ensuring every event is seamless, impactful and memorable.
Above all, Nelson Mandela Bay is a destination that creates meaningful connections. It is where business meets authenticity, where delegates feel genuinely welcome, and where every event leaves not only a lasting impression but also a meaningful legacy for our community.
What is your favorite success story from your organisation?
One of our proudest achievements has been seeing our vision become reality. Winning our first local conference bid, followed by our first international bid, was a defining moment for the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau. It demonstrated that our destination could compete on the global stage and brought tangible economic benefits to the city.
Another highlight has been supporting major events such as the G20 meetings, where we saw first-hand how business events create opportunities beyond the conference venue. Local SMMEs, suppliers and tourism businesses were able to participate, showcase their services and benefit directly from the event's economic impact.
What can we expect to see from Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau in the future?
Watch this space! We're on an exciting journey to put Nelson Mandela Bay and the Eastern Cape firmly on the global business events map. You'll see us bidding for more international conferences, building stronger global partnerships and creating events that leave a lasting legacy for our communities.
Which trends do you see in the Association Meetings?
Association meetings are becoming much more than business—they're about creating experiences. Delegates want authentic destinations, meaningful local connections and a sense that their event makes a positive impact. They're looking for sustainability, legacy and memorable experiences, whether that's networking on a game drive, enjoying local cuisine or engaging with the community. People remember how a destination made them feel, and that's where Nelson Mandela Bay truly shines.
What is an industry challenging your organisation is facing currently
Like many emerging destinations, we're competing with cities that have been in the business events game for decades and have significantly larger marketing budgets. But we see that as motivation rather than a barrier. We may be one of the newer Convention Bureaux on the global stage, but we have something money can't buy—South Africa's Friendly City, passionate people, authentic experiences and a destination that consistently surprises visitors. Once planners experience Nelson Mandela Bay, they quickly realise we're one of the business events industry's best-kept secrets.