Nelson Mandela Bay took centre stage this April as Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay hosted its annual World Skål Day, celebrating global travel progress and local achievements while setting a progressive path for the region’s tourism sector.
The day was marked by the presence of Skål International World President 2025, Denise Scrafton, alongside top tourism leaders and government officials. Following months of preparation and focus on improving safety and infrastructure, Ward 2 Councillor Sean Tappan, who highlighted the critical role of tourism in a report by the PE Express in December last year, the metro and various stakeholders worked to ensure Nelson Mandela Bay is better placed as a leading tourist destination. Tappan’s emphasis on safety and collaboration aligned with Skål’s vision and the groundwork for hosting the prestigious Skål International World Congress in 2026.
A celebration of collaboration and progress
Themed around “collaboration and progress,” the recent World Skål Day event brought together key stakeholders from the public and private sectors. It provided a platform to explore tourism’s evolving role in sustainable development within the region. President Denise Scrafton highlighted the shared values of Skål’s global network, saying, “We strive to inspire innovation and a tourism sector that prioritises people, planet, and prosperity. This evening is a celebration of that vision – the transformative impact of collaboration in tourism.” Scrafton visited venues across the metro, observing infrastructure developments in preparation for the 2026 Congress. She added: “Nelson Mandela Bay truly is a hidden gem, and I’ve been deeply moved by the warmth and professionalism of the community here.”
Championing responsible tourism and growth
Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay has long championed responsible tourism, following their mantra of “Doing Business Among Friends.” Vice President Jaco Ras stressed the importance of addressing local tourism challenges, including fragmented marketing and infrastructure concerns. “A comprehensive Tourism Masterplan is crucial to attracting visitors and harnessing tourism’s contribution to the Eastern Cape’s GDP,” Ras said.
Adding to the plan, Ras highlighted the importance of human resource development in the sector, with initiatives to train locals to provide high-quality services and accurate tourist information. Further proposals include developing the Boardwalk area and expediting the Bayworld redevelopment project.
Councillor Bassie Kamana, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, who was also present on the day, emphasised the city’s partnerships: “Nelson Mandela Bay has long been known for its hospitality and spirit of collaboration. Together with Skål’s leadership, we are confident in fostering shared growth and sustainable tourism.”
Recognising local excellence
The evening’s highlight included the Skål Nelson Mandela Bay Member Awards, which celebrated exceptional contributions to the tourism sector:
– President’s Award – Doné Louw (NMB Convention Bureau Manager)
– Front Runner Award – Hugh Bartis (Nelson Mandela University)
– Stirrer Award – Heidi Halgryn (Kouga Local Municipality)
– Star Award – Violet Lupuwana (Chumile Travel and Tours)
– Newcomer Award – Wendy Knott-Craig (The PR Junction)
Special recognition was given to Salome Clack, President of Skål International Nelson Mandela Bay and Junior Vice President of Skål South Africa, for her leadership and her successful bid to host the 2026 Skål International World Congress in Nelson Mandela Bay.
