Celebrating excellence at the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards 2024.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards, held on the 11th of September 2024 at the iconic Tramways Building in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, was a night to remember. This prestigious event, which celebrates the best in the tourism industry, brought together distinguished guests, industry leaders, and stakeholders to honor excellence and innovation across various categories. The accolades are proof of the thriving tourism industry in the city, which is still strong and makes a substantial contribution to the local economy.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards are designed to recognize outstanding achievements and inspire high service standards within the industry. By showcasing the best of what Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB) has to offer, these awards aim to elevate the city's appeal and attract more visitors, further boosting its reputation as a premier tourist destination.

The evening saw the announcement of nine award winners across diverse categories, each representing the pinnacle of excellence in their respective fields. The categories included Accommodation, Attraction & Experiences, Conservation, Cultural & Sustainability, Caterer, Tour Guides, Transportation & Tours, Up & Coming, and Photography & Videography. The winners were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the tourism industry, setting benchmarks for quality and service.

Among the esteemed guests was Gary Niekerk, the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay. Mayor Niekerk expressed his delight at being able to attend the event, noting how impressed he was with the quality of the awards and the caliber of the winners. He remarked, "I am pleased to have made time for this evening. The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards are one of the most important gatherings for our city, especially in light of the challenges we face, such as crime. It is commendable that the awards team has managed to find and celebrate the best aspects of our city through these awards. I look forward to discussing future collaborations with these awards in my office."

"I look forward to discussing future collaborations with these awards in my office."

The success of the event was also due to the support of key sponsors, including ABSA, the Eastern Cape Parks & Tourism Agency, and the Sarah Baartman District Municipality, among others. Their contributions ensured that the evening was not only a celebration of excellence but also a demonstration of strong community and corporate partnerships.

Nqobile Quphe, a member of the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards Committee, shared her heartfelt gratitude during her closing remarks. "Seeing this great gathering happening under the African skies, celebrating our cultural diversities and tourism at the same time, makes me happy. We are not taking all this support for granted," she said, acknowledging the invaluable support from guests, attendees, and sponsors.

The night was expertly hosted by Bulie G, who had been recognized as the best MC at the previous year's awards. Her experience and charisma added a special touch to the evening, ensuring that the event flowed smoothly and left a lasting impression on all who attended.

One of the attendees, Done Louw from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality's Economic Development, Tourism, and Agriculture (EDTA) department, praised the organizers for their dedication and hard work. "I am immensely proud of Melissa Leigh Palmer, Wendy Knott, Craig Nobs, Nqobile, and Natasha Carmody for pulling off the first Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards. It must have been tough, but you did an amazing job. We hope it will grow from strength to strength," Louw commented.

The stunning decor of the venue was provided by LX Events, a previous year's winner in the decor category, further enhancing the ambiance of the evening.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards 2024 was not just an event but a celebration of the city's resilience, creativity, and commitment to excellence in tourism. As the night drew to a close, the sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable, leaving everyone eager for the continued growth and success of Nelson Mandela Bay's tourism industry.

For more, visit: Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards