Western Cape Tourism Industry Bounces Back

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Resilient Growth

The Western Cape’s tourism industry has shown impressive resilience amidst the pandemic. The sector has surpassed pre-pandemic levels of tourist arrivals, playing a vital role in job creation in the region. Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has experienced significant growth in international two-way passengers, exceeding pre-pandemic levels by 104%. The Mother City’s recovery has outpaced the rest of South Africa, indicating a brighter future for Western Cape tourism.

Wesgro’s Monthly Report

Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade, and investment promotion agency, has released a monthly report highlighting the sector’s growth. Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger, commended the tourism and hospitality sector for its remarkable recovery and growth, contributing to job creation in the province despite the adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Impressive Growth

Statistics SA’s survey shows that income generated by accommodation businesses rose to nearly R11 billion within the first five months of 2023. This growth is a 42% increase from the previous year, demonstrating the sector’s potential for expansion.

Domestic and Overseas Visitors

Domestic two-way passengers at CTIA reached 3.2 million between January and June 2023, a 9% year-on-year growth. Overseas markets are also contributing significantly to tourist arrivals, with the European market being the largest contributor, followed by the USA, Germany, Netherlands, and France, within the top 5 positions.

Popular Attractions

Footfall at 24 participating attractions across the Western Cape recorded a total of 271,653 visitors in June 2023. This figure represents a 16% year-on-year growth compared to June 2022 and 65% of June 2019’s footfall. The attractions that observed the highest growth in visitor numbers during June 2023 include the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, Table Mountain National Park: Boulders, Bontebok National Park, Cango Caves, and Table Mountain National Park: Cape of Good Hope.

Growth For Jobs

The Western Cape Government’s new economic action plan, “Growth For Jobs,” identifies attracting more tourists to the region as a Priority Focus Area. Collaborating with tour stakeholders and the private sector will be crucial in ensuring the Western Cape remains a top destination for both international and domestic tourists.

A Premier Destination

With the promise of an impressive summer season looming, the Western Cape is primed to showcase its diverse attractions and cultural richness to travelers from around the globe. As the Western Cape continues to flourish, it will undoubtedly remain a premier destination for travelers seeking unparalleled natural beauty, captivating history, and unforgettable experiences.

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Tumi Makgale is a Cape Town-based journalist whose crisp reportage on the city’s booming green-tech scene is regularly featured in the Mail & Guardian and Daily Maverick. Born and raised in Gugulethu, she still spends Saturdays bargaining for snoek at the harbour with her gogo, a ritual that keeps her rooted in the rhythms of the Cape while she tracks the continent’s next clean-energy breakthroughs.

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