Influx of tourists headed to Cape Town as summer events stack up
Hotels in Cape Town are filling up fast as the City prepares for an influx of domestic and international tourists over the coming weeks.
With the Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) now connected to 31 destinations on 38 routes by 27 airlines, the city is already buzzing with a record-breaking 226 weekly international flights, as the cruise terminal is set to host 88 ship visits until March.
As officials and tourism leaders work collaboratively to enhance visitor experiences, mayco member for economic growth, James Vos, said efforts are in place to prioritise air route expansion, airline partnerships, and cruise tourism to attract both domestic and international travellers.
“Our priority is to ensure every visitor feels safe, welcomed, and supported as they explore our incredible city,” he said.
Federated Hospitality Association of SA (Fedhasa) national chairperson, Rosemary Anderson, said they are encouraged by the current trajectory of hotel bookings in the Cape metropole.
She said feedback from their partners supports a positive outlook, with many reporting full bookings over the Christmas to New Year period.
“The influx of visitors for major events such as the Rugby 7s and multiple conferences at the CTICC are contributing to these high occupancy levels.
“Last year was a great year, and this year is on par.
“According to the latest data from Cape Town Tourism, the demand for accommodation across all accommodation types in September 2024 was marginally stronger than in September 2023 (62.3% in 2024 compared to 61% in 2023).
“While we don’t have final figures for Oct 2024 or Nov 2024, they were forecast at 73.5% and 74.7%, respectively. We’re feeling positive heading into the season and hope the December 2024/January 2025 holiday season will see occupancy rates around the 75% mark.
“As we move into the festive season, the hospitality sector in Cape Town and the Western Cape is well-positioned to deliver memorable experiences for both local and international visitors, reinforcing our region’s reputation as a premier travel destination,” Anderson said.
Wesgro CEO, Wrenelle Stander, said most recently, Norse Atlantic Airways started a direct service from London Gatwick to Cape Town, and with an additional 11 route expansions from existing airlines, it is expected to be a bumper peak season.
“Last year December, more than 317 000 two-way international passengers were recorded at CTIA, and we expect this December to surpass that number due to additional capacity added by carriers.
“Cape Town Air Access, powered by Wesgro, welcomes the 22 months of continued growth for international terminal passengers at Cape Town International Airport, up to October 2024. This growth is expected to continue through December 2024,” Stander said.
Mayco member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the City’s Events Permit Office is currently processing over 160 permit applications for December.
In addition to the HSBC Cape Town SVNS taking place at DHL Stadium on Saturday and Sunday, events for December include:
• MCQP – Gardens Commercial High School I December 14.
• Festival of Chariots – Sea Point Promenade I December 15
• Unity on the Square – Greenmarket Square I December 16
• SA vs Pakistan (ODI) – Newlands Cricket Ground I December 19
• DHL Stormers vs Emirates Lions DHL Stadium I December 21
• DHL Stormers vs Hollywoodbets Sharks – DHL Stadium I December 28
• Cape Town City FC vs AmaZulu – DHL Stadium I December 29
• Cape Malay Road March –Grand Parade I December 31
• New Year’s Eve – V&A Waterfront – December 31
The City hosted 206 events in November, which saw around 400 000 people attending.
Cape Town Tourism CEO, Enver Duminy, expressed excitement for the holiday season and highlighted the importance of the Cape Town Visitor Guide as a key resource for all travellers.
“Cape Town Tourism’s members, from world-class dining spots to amazing tour operators, are going to deliver extraordinary experiences. These passionate professionals go the extra mile to showcase what makes Cape Town so special.
“Together with the City of Cape Town, we are thrilled to welcome visitors and help them create memories that will bring them back again and again.
“From sunset views atop Table Mountain to vibrant cultural events and family-friendly beach days, Cape Town offers something for everyone this season,” Duminy said.
sibuliso.duba@inl.co.za