Nieu Bethesda is an isolated community, far off South Africa’s main tourism routes. It forms part of the Camdeboo in the Eastern Cape Karoo that is identified by National Government as a poverty node and a designated tourism development node.

After government grants, tourism is the biggest contributor to the local economy. Most of the economically active members of the community, including the township, are involved in some way in tourism. Some offer accommodation, provide catering, cleaning, crafts, guiding, etc.

The Nieu Bethesda Community Tourism Organisation is a community association formed to market Nieu Bethesda as a quality tourism destination and to develop businesses from the previously disadvantaged community.