It has been smooth sailing for Gqeberha’s cruise liner season, with the MSC Magnifica’s arrival on Monday setting the scene for an even better season than in 2024.
MSC Cruises SA hosted the traditional exchange of crests at the Port of Port Elizabeth between the vessel’s master and local authorities on board the cruise liner.
Among the dignitaries present were harbour master Vuyani Ntsimango, acting Port of Port Elizabeth manager David Goliath, the MSC Magnifica’s hotel director Antonio Volpicelli, Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane, Nelson Mandela Bay economic development, tourism and agriculture acting executive director Wandisile Makwabe as well as the directorate’s political head, Bassie Kamana.
On November 10 2024, the cruise liner season was officially opened at the Port of Port Elizabeth with 47 cruise ships expected and 14 expected to remain in port overnight — bringing more than 71,000 passengers to the metro.
At the opening of the season, mayor Babalwa Lobishe said the anticipated economic spinoff would be significant, building on the R81.5m generated during the previous season.
She expected the economic contribution to range from R85m to R95m.
Mabuyane said it was his first time on board the MSC cruise liner and he welcomed the guests to SA.
“I know that you will be in Cape Town on Wednesday, we really appreciate you bringing about 3,000 tourists, that is massive for us as we move on developing more of our infrastructure,” he said.
“We do want you to stay for two or three days with us so that your people can move around, interact with the people, this is a windy, friendly city, people here are so warm and you get everything you would want.
“I heard that there are people from all over the world, that is also what we want, social cohesion, world peace, stability in our global village, we want to see more of these ships.”
Goliath said they had initially predicted the arrival of more than 40 vessels for the 2024/2025 cruise season but this rose to 78 vessels.
They were expecting five more vessels to arrive between May and June, with only one cancellation.
“The Transnet Port Authority recognises the significance of cruise liners coming to visit our city, I counted 10 buses on my way here.
“I see the growth in specialised vehicles that take visitors to the Addo Elephant National Park and around the city.
“In the 2023/2024 season, we had about 35 vessels so we can see there is steady growth,” Goliath said.
Kamana said the city was committed to ensuring the safety of all travellers.
“We have worked hard to ensure this with the private sector, security companies, other stakeholders and government security agencies.
“We appreciate the opportunity provided to host you and your passengers. We appreciate the invite to witness this exchange of crests,” he said.
The Herald
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