Cape Town’s Cruise Tourism Season Breaks Records

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Cape Town and the Western Cape have experienced a record-breaking cruise tourism season between October 2022 and May 2023, establishing the region as a top destination for luxury cruise holidays. High-spending tourists from the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom have contributed to the success of the season.

Wesgro Reports Double the Ship Calls Compared to Previous Season

Wesgro, the organization behind Cruise Cape Town, reported a successful cruise tourism season with double the number of ship calls compared to the entire 2019/2020 season, amounting to 39 ship visits and approximately 42,000 passengers. Five new ships were welcomed to the Cape Town Cruise Terminal this season, which expanded the itinerary offerings and attracted more international cruise partners.

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Multiple Turnaround Visits Conducted in a Single Day

The local industry celebrated a milestone moment as the port successfully conducted turnaround visits for three ships in a single day on five separate occasions. Turnaround visits involve a thorough cleaning and restocking process, providing opportunities for local products to be onboarded. Passengers frequently participate in post-cruise tours, while new passengers explore the destination before boarding the ship.

Economic Impact Study to Demonstrate Benefits

Wrenelle Stander, Wesgro CEO and Official Spokesperson for Cruise Cape Town, expressed confidence that an ongoing Economic Impact Study will demonstrate the significant impact of the sector on job creation and the local economy. The Western Cape’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to soar, thanks to its breathtaking scenery, diverse culture, variety of activities, and world-class cruise terminal located in the heart of Cape Town.

Local Industry Leaders Emphasize Benefits

David Green, CEO of the V&A Waterfront, emphasized the added value that local and international cruises, including iconic world cruises like the Queen Mary 2, bring to global traveler experiences and Cape Town’s reputation as a must-visit cruise destination. Mireille Wenger, Western Cape Minister for Finance and Economic Opportunities, celebrated the record highs of the 2022/2023 cruise tourism season as an indicator of the region’s flourishing tourism industry. Alderman James Vos, the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, praised the Cruise Cape Town initiative and its efforts to create tourism-related jobs in every household in the metro area.

Cape Town’s Thriving Cruise Tourism Sector Boosts Local Economy and Job Creation

Cape Town’s thriving cruise tourism sector cements its position as a major player in the global cruise travel market, benefiting the local economy and job market. As the city attracts more cruise lines and passengers, it will be interesting to observe the long-term effects on the region’s overall growth and development.

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Chloe de Kock is a Cape Town-born journalist who chronicles the city’s evolving food culture, from township braai joints to Constantia vineyards, for the Mail & Guardian and Eat Out. When she’s not interviewing grandmothers about secret bobotie recipes or tracking the impact of drought on winemakers, you’ll find her surfing the mellow breaks at Muizenberg—wetsuit zipped, notebook tucked into her backpack in case the next story floats by.

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