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The tourism sector continues to shine in the Western Cape
with tourist arrivals via air to Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) in the
first six months of 2023 exceeding pre-pandemic levels.
In addition, international two-way passengers remained
strong between January and June 2023, reaching 1.4 million, exceeding
pre-pandemic levels by 104% and growing by 76% year-on-year.
This is according to the monthly tourism report, compiled by
the Western Cape Government's official tourism, trade and investment promotion
agency, Wesgro.
"The tourism and hospitality sector continues to show
remarkable resilience and growth in the Western Cape and is cause for
celebration. Despite suffering greatly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we
continue to see that we have moved beyond recovery and into growth,
contributing to job creation in the province." said Western Cape Minister
of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.
Other highlights from the report include:
3.2 million domestic two-way passengers passed through CTIA
between January and June 2023, representing a year-on-year growth of 9%;
George Airport two-way passengers reached 374,463 between
January and June 2023, a 3% year-on-year increase compared to January to June
2022;
Between January and June 2023, 90% of tourist arrivals via
air originated from overseas markets and 10% from the African continent;
The United Kingdom led as the top source market to Cape Town
(via air) between January and June 2023, closely followed by USA, Germany,
Netherlands and France in the top 5 positions;
The European market remains the largest contributor to
tourist arrivals into Cape Town, with 6 out of the top 10 source markets
originating from the continent;
Footfall to 24 participating attractions across the six
regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 271,653 visitors in June 2023,
a 16% year-on-year growth in the number of visitors when compared to June 2022
and 65% of what it was in June 2019; and
The top 5 highest year on year growth rates in June 2023
were recorded for Cape Agulhas Lighthouse (92%), Table Mountain National Park:
Boulders (61%), Bontebok National Park (60%), Cango Caves (42%) and Table
Mountain National Park: Cape of Good Hope (36%)
Minister Wenger continued: "Attracting more tourists to
our destination forms part of one of the Priority Focus Area's of the Western
Cape Government's ambitious new economic action plan, 'Growth For Jobs' because
more tourists mean more jobs. Recently this objective has received an
impressive boost with great publicity generated by our stunning vineyards which
featured in the world's best."
"Working with tour stakeholders, including the private
sector, we will continue to ensure that the Western Cape remains top of mind
for both international and domestic tourists and I look forward to what
promises to be another impressive summer season in the province."
concluded Minister Wenger.