The countdown begins for the much-anticipated Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism Awards (NMBTA), set to take place at The Tramways on September 11th! This prestigious event promises to shine a spotlight on the remarkable talents and dedication within our tourism industry. Tickets are now available for R350 and we invite all community members and tourism enthusiasts to join us in honouring the best of the best in our vibrant city.

Driving the vision for this year’s awards is a dynamic and passionate team made up of four exceptional individuals who share a common goal of elevating Nelson Mandela Bay's tourism sector. Meet the driving force behind the event:

Melissa Palmer 

Co-owner of B and E Conference Centre, Melissa brings over 20 years of experience in hospitality and business events to the team. As a devoted entrepreneur and community advocate, she is dedicated to uplifting the tourism industry. Melissa is not only a co-founder of the Nelson Mandela Bay Business Events Awards and the NMB Tourism Awards but also a proud mother of two and loving wife.

Nqobile Nobs Qupe 

Nqobile is an accomplished tourism professional, celebrated for her ability to build strong brand-consumer relationships and partnerships. With significant experience in her role as GM of Marketing & Communication for Tourism KZN, Nqobile is committed to revitalizing Nelson Mandela Bay’s tourism landscape post-COVID, ensuring that it remains a top destination for tourists.

Wendy Knott-Craig

A powerhouse in the industry, Wendy has owned The PR Junction for 17 years and is a specialist in conference and event management. As the winner of the "Event Organiser" category at the 2019 NMB Business Events Awards, her wealth of knowledge and attention to detail make her an invaluable asset to the awards team.

Natasha Carmody 

Co-owner of B and E Conference Centre, Natasha has a deep passion for both Nelson Mandela Bay and the hospitality sector. As the event organizer for Skal International NMB, she excels at creating memorable networking opportunities for the tourism industry. Originally from Durban, Natasha now proudly calls NMB her home and is a proud family person who enjoys cooking a good potjie.

Join us in celebrating the vibrant tourism community of Nelson Mandela Bay! Be part of an unforgettable evening filled with inspiration, recognition and connection. For ticket purchases and more information, please email hello@nmbta.co.za.