Nestled along South Africa’s sun-drenched Eastern Cape coastline, Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) — comprising Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), Kariega (Uitenhage), and Despatch — is a destination that blends natural beauty, cultural depth, and modern convenience. It’s a place where the warmth of its people, the rhythm of the ocean, and a spirit of innovation converge to create a unique visitor experience.
Strategically located on the southeastern seaboard, Nelson Mandela Bay serves as the gateway to the Eastern Cape, linking the iconic Garden Route to Addo Elephant National Park and a variety of malaria-free private game reserves. Within an hour, visitors can transition from a conference at a beachfront hotel to a safari among the Big Five, or from a boardroom to the surf breaks of Sardinia Bay. This mix of coastal charm, urban energy, and adventure makes Nelson Mandela Bay one of South Africa’s most versatile and accessible tourism and business destinations.
The city’s 40-kilometre coastline, dotted with Blue Flag beaches such as King’s Beach, Hobie Beach, and Sardinia Bay, appeals to families, leisure travellers, and adventure seekers alike. Beyond the coast, wildlife reserves including Addo Elephant National Park, home to over 700 elephants, offer unforgettable encounters in landscapes ranging from bushveld to dunes and mountains. Cultural experiences abound through the Route 67 Art Trail, township tours, culinary offerings, jazz venues, and historic architecture, reflecting the Bay’s rich Xhosa, Khoisan, European, and Indian heritage.
Nelson Mandela Bay has also emerged as a hub for sports and events, hosting international competitions like the Ironman African Championship, The Herald Cycle Tour, and major rugby and soccer fixtures at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. With its pleasant year-round climate, compact layout, and easy pace, every experience feels authentic and accessible.
The city is also a growing business and events destination, with expanding infrastructure, a skilled hospitality workforce, and thriving industries. As South Africa’s largest automotive manufacturing hub, a centre for renewable energy, and a growing blue economy through the Coega Special Economic Zone and Ngqura Deepwater Port, NMB offers unique opportunities for conferences, exhibitions, and corporate gatherings. Its accommodation options — from five-star beachfront hotels to boutique lodges and modern business hotels — provide over 4,500 rooms, most within a short drive of the airport and major venues. The Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport, currently being upgraded, enhances connectivity to domestic and select international routes.
At the heart of the city’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) ecosystem is the Nelson Mandela Bay Convention Bureau, part of Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism. The Bureau supports event organisers with venue matching, bid facilitation, logistics, marketing, site inspections, and tailored incentive programmes, ensuring seamless, impactful events.
With its growing MICE portfolio, excellent facilities, and vibrant mix of culture, nature, and leisure activities, Nelson Mandela Bay is a dynamic, inclusive, and accessible destination. Whether for a global conference, incentive retreat, or corporate gathering, the Bay offers experiences that inspire creativity and connection — where business meets the leisure.
