Cruise tourism has a significant impact on the Western Cape’s economy in South Africa, contributing around R1.2 billion in the last fiscal year and expected to bring more economic benefits with an influx of around 90,000 passengers and 38,000 crew members in the current year. The industry also creates job opportunities, with every 30 cruise passengers creating approximately one fulltime job. The geopolitical climate and return tourism are some of the factors driving traffic towards South African ports, such as Durban’s Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal.
