GQEBERHA – The Eastern Cape is looking to attract more international events as part of efforts to expand its tourism industry and diversify the provincial economy.
Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism MEC Nonkqubela Pieters made the remarks during the official opening of the Skål International World Congress at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Wednesday.
The congress has brought together tourism industry delegates from 85 countries, providing the province with an opportunity to showcase its tourism offering to international tourism professionals.
Pieters said the province wants to use events of this nature to increase the number of international visitors to the Eastern Cape.
The provincial government is also seeking to reduce its reliance on the automotive sector by growing other areas of the economy, including tourism.
Pieters said the impact of major events extends beyond hotels and tourism establishments, with businesses across the local economy benefiting.
“If restaurants are operating, that means farmers are getting something out of that because they are providing food to restaurants,” Pieters said.
She said accommodation establishments in Nelson Mandela Bay were fully booked during the congress and that some businesses had brought in temporary workers to cope with increased demand.
“Jobs have been created during this period,” she said.
According to Pieters, the Eastern Cape received about 350 000 international tourists in 2025.
The province now wants to increase that figure by using international events and other tourism initiatives to attract more visitors.
The Skål International World Congress is expected to provide an opportunity for tourism stakeholders in the province to engage with international delegates and promote the Eastern Cape as a tourism destination.
ECNewsLive – Beyond News
