Pray the News –
Summer season bed occupancy rate drops as the economy and crime affect tourism. – The Herald Monday 14 April 2025
Background
The figures were revealed in a recent report. Bed occupancy at accommodation businesses in Nelson Mandela Bay dropped to 57% during the 2024 summer season, a seven-percentage-point decrease from the 64% recorded in 2023. Compared to December 2019, which had an occupancy rate of 69%, December 2024 fell short of this figure. The data implies a gradual recovery in the tourism sector, with December 2023 showing promising signs but not fully reaching the highs observed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The Eastern Cape Province's overall occupancy rate in 2024 is slightly down but reflects stable performance. Crime was one of the issues that the city needed to fix to boost tourism. The city also needs to look at the issue of the cleanliness of the Metro. All the relevant directorates need to come on board so that the city can be cleaned.
People to pray for:
Wandisile Makwabe – Acting Executive Director, Economic Development, Environment and Tourism
Bassie Kamana – Head of Economic Development
Prayer Pointers
1. For the City to Be Cleaned Up
Scripture: Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
“Lord, just as You purify our hearts, we pray for a cleansing of Nelson Mandela Bay’s physical environment. Inspire and empower the city’s directorates, workers, and residents to take pride in their surroundings, addressing the issue of metro cleanliness. Renew a spirit of responsibility and collaboration, that the city may shine as a reflection of Your order and beauty. Provide resources and wisdom to maintain a clean and inviting environment for all who live in and visit this place.’
2. For Visitors to Nelson Mandela Bay
Scripture: Psalm 67:1-2 – “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations.”
“Gracious God, we ask that You make Nelson Mandela Bay a beacon of Your light, drawing people from near and far to experience its beauty and hospitality. Bless this city with an influx of visitors, that they may see Your creation and the warmth of its people. Let the city’s reputation grow as a safe and welcoming destination, so your name may be glorified through the joy and connection shared here.”
3. For Crime to Decrease
Scripture: Isaiah 60:18 – “Violence shall no more be heard in your land, devastation or destruction within your borders; you shall call your walls Salvation, and your gates Praise.”
“Almighty God, we plead for peace in Nelson Mandela Bay. Crime has deterred visitors and burdened the hearts of residents, but You are our Protector. We ask that You break the chains of violence and fear, replacing them with safety and salvation. Guide law enforcement, community leaders, and citizens to work together in unity, and let Your peace reign in every street and neighborhood, making this city a place of security and trust.”
4. For the Tourism Sector
Scripture: Jeremiah 33:6 – “Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.”
“Lord, we pray for the healing and revitalization of the tourism sector in Nelson Mandela Bay. The drop in bed occupancy reflects economic struggles, but You are the God of restoration. Bring prosperity to businesses, hotels, and workers who depend on tourism. Open doors for innovative ideas and opportunities to attract visitors, and let Your abundance flow through this industry, restoring it to surpass even its pre-COVID highs.”
Sample Prayer
“Father, we place Nelson Mandela Bay in Your hands, trusting in Your power to transform and uplift. May Your love and provision overflow, bringing economic recovery, abundant visitors, peace, and cleanliness to this city. Let it become a testimony of Your faithfulness, as You answer these prayers according to Your perfect will. We pray all this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior.” Amen.
Listen to the prayer here
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