The Western Cape’s tourism sector has delivered a major economic boost, with international visitors spending nearly R26 billion in the province, reinforcing its status as one of Africa’s most sought-after travel destinations.
Newly released figures show that approximately 1.5 million international visitors travelled to the Western Cape, contributing significantly to the province’s economy. The total spend accounts for roughly a quarter of South Africa’s overall international tourism revenue, underlining the region’s dominant role in the national tourism landscape.
International arrivals to the province increased by 11.1 percent, signalling a continued recovery following global travel disruptions in recent years. The growth reflects sustained demand from key long-haul markets, with the United Kingdom and Germany remaining the leading source countries.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Ivan Meyer, said the figures point to both resilience and strategic growth within the sector.
“The Western Cape’s tourism performance confirms that our province remains a top choice for both international and domestic travellers. We are building a tourism economy that continues to create jobs, supports communities, and protects our natural heritage,” Meyer said.
Domestic tourism has also played a significant role in the sector’s performance. The province recorded around 4 million overnight trips, representing a 15.4 percent increase. Notably, the Western Cape achieved the highest average domestic spend per overnight trip in the country, at R3,172, indicating its ability to attract higher-value visitors even in a constrained economic environment.
Meyer said this trend highlights the province’s capacity to sustain growth despite broader financial pressures facing travellers.
“These figures demonstrate the Western Cape’s ability to attract higher-value visitors and to support a wide range of tourism businesses,” he added.
Beyond economic performance, the province has also gained recognition on the continental stage. At the Responsible Tourism Awards during World Travel Market Africa, several Western Cape organisations were honoured for excellence in sustainability, skills development, and community-driven initiatives.
Among the top performers were the V&A Waterfront Academy and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company, both receiving Gold Awards, while Unexplored Cape Town earned a Silver Award. The Cape Tourist Guides Association was also recognised as “One to Watch,” highlighting emerging leadership in the sector.
These recognitions point to a broader shift towards inclusive and responsible tourism models, where economic benefits are more widely distributed across communities.
Looking ahead, provincial authorities have indicated that future strategies will focus on expanding tourism beyond major urban centres, promoting value-for-money travel, and strengthening resilience within the sector.
As global travel demand continues to recover, the Western Cape’s ability to balance growth with sustainability and community impact will be key to maintaining its competitive edge.
Source: IOL – Wendy Dondolo.
