Views of Table Mountain, an iconic attraction in the city of Cape Town. Picture: Unsplash
Despite ongoing concerns from locals about the rising cost of living in Cape Town, the city revealed an upswing in tourism during December, with strong passenger arrivals recorded at Cape Town International Airport.
According to the latest data released by Cape Town Tourism, the airport welcomed a total of 533,829 arrivals last month, highlighting the city's enticing appeal to both domestic and international visitors.
The data indicates that domestic tourism remains robust, accounting for a significant majority of travellers to the region.
Domestic arrivals saw a growth of 2.3 percent, culminating in 362,222 passengers who explored the city's vibrant offerings. This is an encouraging sign, underlining the resilience of South African locals who continue to rediscover their home turf.
Meanwhile, regional travel showcased an impressive surge, with a staggering 22.5 percent increase in arrivals from neighbouring African countries, accounting for 10,491 travellers.
This growth signifies Cape Town's rising desirability as a travel destination within the continent. International arrivals also experienced a healthy increase of 3.7 percent, totalling 160,537 tourists from across the globe.
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, stressed the critical role of enhanced air connectivity in facilitating these positive tourism figures.
“Cape Town’s ongoing partnerships with airlines and the introduction of more frequent flights, including key seasonal routes, have been game-changers for our tourism sector.
“This enhanced air access not only makes it easier for travellers to visit our city but also strengthens Cape Town’s position as a leading destination as shown by the positive arrival figures this December,” Vos revealed.
Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, echoed Vos's sentiments about the city's appeal.
“These numbers show the growing confidence in Cape Town as a destination that draws visitors from all corners.
“With enhanced air access and our city’s unmatched appeal, from locals rediscovering their home to international travellers exploring our world-famous attractions, Cape Town is a favourite for many,” Duminy noted.
While the thriving tourism industry is a positive development for Cape Town's economy, it also raises questions about the rising cost of living for residents, prompting discussions about sustainable tourism practices that can balance economic growth and the needs of local communities.