Cape Town is gearing up for a surge in domestic and international tourists, with hotels filling up fast ahead of a bustling summer season. The city is buzzing with activity, thanks to a packed calendar of events, expanded air routes, and an impressive lineup of cruise ship visits. Local officials and tourism stakeholders are working diligently to ensure visitors enjoy a safe, vibrant, and memorable experience.
Record-Breaking Flight Connections Boost Tourism
Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) has seen remarkable growth, with connections to 31 destinations via 38 routes served by 27 airlines. Currently, 226 weekly international flights are operating, and the cruise terminal is preparing to host 88 ship visits through March. This increase in accessibility is a key driver of the tourism boom.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, highlighted the city’s commitment to expanding air routes and enhancing cruise tourism. “Our priority is to ensure every visitor feels safe, welcomed, and supported as they explore our incredible city,” Vos stated.
Hospitality Sector Sees Strong Booking Trends
Rosemary Anderson, National Chairperson of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), expressed optimism about the current hotel occupancy rates. “Feedback from our partners indicates full bookings over the Christmas to New Year period,” she said.
Major events like the Rugby 7s and conferences at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) are contributing to high occupancy levels. According to Cape Town Tourism, September 2024 saw a slight increase in accommodation demand compared to the same period in 2023, with 62.3% occupancy versus 61% the previous year. October and November 2024 were forecasted at 73.5% and 74.7%, respectively, with December and January expected to reach around 75%.
Expanded Air Routes Set the Stage for a Bumper Season
Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, noted the recent addition of Norse Atlantic Airways’ direct service from London Gatwick to Cape Town, along with 11 other route expansions. “Last December, CTIA recorded over 317,000 two-way international passengers, and we expect this year to surpass that figure due to increased capacity from carriers,” she said.
Cape Town Air Access, driven by Wesgro, has reported 22 consecutive months of growth in international terminal passengers at CTIA, with the trend anticipated to continue through the peak season.
City Events Calendar Bursting with Activity
The City’s Events Permit Office is processing over 160 permit applications for December alone, according to JP Smith, Mayco Member for Safety and Security. The diverse range of events, from large-scale sports tournaments to cultural festivals, is expected to draw even more visitors to the city.
Conclusion
Cape Town’s tourism sector is poised for a thriving summer season, thanks to increased international flights, a bustling cruise schedule, and major events. With high hotel occupancy rates and an array of festive activities, the city is ready to deliver unforgettable experiences for both local and international travellers.
Comments