Cape Town, the scenic coastal city in South Africa, has once again established itself as a top tourist destination. The city has seen a remarkable surge in visitors in the first half of 2023, exceeding pre-pandemic levels. The tourism and hospitality sector in the Western Cape region has shown remarkable resilience and growth despite the challenging times.
Unprecedented Increase in Tourists
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) witnessed an unprecedented number of international two-way passengers between January and June 2023, registering a year-on-year increase of 76%. The airport welcomed 1.4 million passengers, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by 104%. This milestone is highlighted in the monthly tourism report compiled by Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency.
Positive Implications for Job Creation
Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, expressed her delight at the industry’s recovery and growth. She emphasized that the continued success of tourism has significant implications for job creation in the province.
Key Figures
According to the report, domestic two-way passengers at CTIA showed a year-on-year growth of 9%, with 3.2 million travelers recorded between January and June 2023. George Airport saw a total of 374,463 two-way passengers during the same period, marking a 3% year-on-year increase. An overwhelming majority (90%) of tourist arrivals via air were from overseas markets, while the remaining 10% hailed from the African continent.
Leading Sources of Tourists
The United Kingdom was the leading source of tourists to Cape Town, followed by the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and France. Europe continued to be the largest contributor of visitors, with six of the top ten source markets originating from the continent.
Growth in Footfall at Attractions
Various attractions across the Western Cape region experienced significant growth in footfall in June 2023. A cumulative total of 271,653 visitors was recorded, signifying a 16% year-on-year increase compared to June 2022 and 65% of the footfall recorded in June 2019. Attractions like Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Table Mountain National Park: Boulders, Bontebok National Park, Cango Caves, and Table Mountain National Park: Cape of Good Hope saw the most substantial year-on-year growth rates.
Economic Action Plan
The Western Cape Government’s ambitious economic action plan, ‘Growth for Jobs,’ emphasizes the importance of attracting tourists to the region. The flourishing vineyards of Cape Town, which have garnered global recognition, serve as a testament to the area’s appeal. The local government remains committed to ensuring the Western Cape continues to captivate the hearts of international and domestic tourists alike.
A Bright Future for Cape Town Tourism
With the unwavering collaboration between government and private sector stakeholders, the Western Cape is poised to enjoy another resplendent summer season, further solidifying its status as a world-class tourist destination.
