PORT OF SALDANHA INAUGURAL CRUISE LINER ENHANCES REGIONAL TOURISM

History was rewritten today when Silver Cloud, the first ever cruise liner to call at Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA’s) largest and deepest commercial seaport, Port of Saldanha, docked with 227 passengers to explore the West Coast as a tourism destination.

The Saldanha port community gave the Silver Cloud a warm welcome as she traversed the West Coast waters with passengers from Nassau Bahamas, with Walvis Bay as her last port of call. The docking of this cruise vessel enhances Saldanha’s prospects as an attractive tourism destination and increases its regional market share. The Saldanha local community largely relies on agriculture, forestry, and fishing.

Commenting on the inaugural cruise liner, Saldanha Bay Municipality Executive Mayor, Andre Truter highlighted that the boost to tourism would positively impact the economic development of the region. “We’re excited to receive the first cruise vessel as this accentuates tourism as one of the most attractive sectors to support future development”.

TNPA Port Manager, Shadrack Tshikalange shared his sentiments on this incredible new journey that the port is embarking on, and he said “The port’s ability to dock its first cruise liner shows its readiness to diversify its offering and explore means to boost economic development in the region. The interest from global cruise liners to visit this side of the coast presents an opportunity to showcase Saldanha as a tourism destination.”

The cruise liner is expected to stay for two days and depart on 27 March 2024 to the Port of Cape Town.

TNPA