ChairmanMr Lusanda Fibi
ACMMTAAfrica Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism AllianceBecome a partner 
About the Alliance
A collaborative platform for an inclusive blue and water tourism economy.
The Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Alliance (ACMMTA) brings together organisations that can strengthen tourism experiences, investment, skills and enterprise development along Africa’s coastlines and inland waterways.
Through sector convenings and practical partnerships, the Alliance helps turn shared intent into market access, destination collaboration and sustainable opportunities for communities and tourism businesses.
Chief Executive OfficerMr Itumeleng Magongoa
The Opportunity
One connected coastal, marine and inland waterways economy.
Africa’s water-tourism economy extends far beyond leisure on the water. It links destinations, infrastructure, environmental management, skills, culture, trade and local enterprise. ACMMTA works across this full value chain so that investment and tourism growth create lasting benefits.
Coastal & marine tourism
Beaches, marine wildlife, coastal routes, boating, sailing, diving, surfing and community-based experiences turn natural and cultural assets into year-round visitor demand.
Cruise & maritime gateways
Ports, harbours and cruise terminals connect tourism with transport, hospitality, shore excursions, retail, logistics and destination marketing.
Inland waterways
Dams, rivers, lakes and wetlands support boat tours, fishing, paddling, adventure, events, accommodation and rural destination development.
Enterprise & investment
The value chain creates space for tour operators, guides, suppliers, caterers, transport businesses, artisans, accommodation providers and investors.
Skills & innovation
Marine safety, hospitality, digital marketing, destination management, research and technical training prepare young people for new careers and businesses.
Conservation-led growth
Healthy oceans and waterways are the foundation of the visitor economy. Responsible development must protect biodiversity and strengthen community stewardship.
Enabling environmentPolicy · infrastructure · safety · investment
Visitor experiencesCoasts · oceans · harbours · rivers · dams
Inclusive outcomesJobs · SMEs · skills · community benefit
Alliance Partners
Choose how your organisation can participate.
Partnerships are shaped around shared outcomes. Public, institutional and strategic partners may enter into an MOU or MOA with the Alliance, while qualifying SMEs may join through the SME Alliance programme.
Strategic Alliance
For public institutions, tourism authorities, academic institutions and sector bodies ready to formalise collaboration through an MOU or MOA.
Start an applicationIndustry Alliance
For established operators, investors and private-sector organisations contributing market access, expertise and investment capacity.
Start an applicationSME Alliance
For tourism SMEs seeking industry connections, market exposure and participation in alliance programmes. A joining fee applies after approval.
Start an applicationFlagship Platform 01
Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Trade Market
Successfully launched in Nelson Mandela Bay in 2025 and hosted again in 2026, the Trade Market connects destinations, buyers, tourism businesses, sector leaders and young people around Africa’s growing water-tourism value chain.
Nelson Mandela Bay, South Africa
The first Trade Market established a dedicated platform for coastal, marine and maritime tourism collaboration.
The programme returned to Nelson Mandela Bay, growing its industry, destination and youth-development reach.
Coastal & Inland Waterways Tourism Investment Summit
Flagship Platform 02
Where investment conversations meet destination opportunity.
The Summit convenes government, investors, operators, communities and knowledge partners to advance bankable, sustainable tourism opportunities around Africa’s coastlines, dams, rivers and waterways.
Hartbeespoort Dam
North West, South Africa
Gariep Dam
Free State, South Africa
Summit Feature · 2026
Investing in the future of coastal and inland waterways tourism.
Watch the official Gariep Dam Summit feature, capturing the voices, destination opportunities and partnerships advancing an inclusive water-tourism economy.
Full feature · 7 minutesKnowledge & Results
Trade Market reports
Read the official post-event reports for the first two editions of the Africa Coastal Marine & Maritime Tourism Trade Market.
2025 · Nelson Mandela Bay
Inaugural Trade Market Report
14–16 April 2025 · Tramways Building
367 delegates40 exhibitorsR2.3m reported direct spend
Open report 
2026 · Nelson Mandela Bay
Second Annual Trade Market Report
18–20 March 2026 · Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
700 delegates+51% exhibitor growthR1.75m reported direct spend
Open report Delegate Resources
2026 Gariep Dam Summit presentations
Access the official programme and presentations shared at the Coastal & Inland Waterways Tourism Investment Summit, held at Gariep Dam in September 2026.
Official Summit Programme
2nd Annual Coastal & Inland Waterways Tourism Investment Summit
Gariep Dam: A Development Perspective
Lake Gariep Development Initiative
Inland Waterways Tourism Research & Innovation
Dr Lynn C. Jonas · Nelson Mandela University
Stimulating Economic Growth Through B-BBEE Funding
Nokuthula Moloi · National Empowerment Fund
Unlocking Coastal & Marine Tourism Investment
Andile Mlawu · Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism
Inland Waterways Investment Presentation
Coastal, Marine & Waterways Investment Summit
Water Pool in the Context of Tourism & Hospitality
Dr Fumene George Tsibani
Figures are presented as reported in each event report and may use different estimation methods.
Event Gallery
Trade Market 2026 in pictures
Speakers, partners, exhibitors and delegates advancing Africa’s coastal, marine and maritime tourism economy in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Investment Summit Gallery
Coastal & Inland Waterways Tourism Investment Summit
Summit speakers, delegates, sustainability exhibitors and destination experiences from Gariep Dam in the Free State.
Become an Alliance Partner
Bring your organisation into the conversation—and the work.
Tell us about your organisation and the kind of partnership you are seeking. The Alliance team will review your application and contact you about the appropriate next step.
- 1Submit your interestComplete the application form.
- 2Alliance reviewWe assess strategic fit and participation category.
- 3Formalise the partnershipMOU, MOA or SME joining process, as applicable.