Picture: for illustration purposes
After years grappling with a tourism lull, Cape Town is preparing for a significant rebound. The city is forecast to anticipate an influx of visitors this summer, with numbers predicted to soar well above those seen in the busy 2018 season.
As quoted in a recent interview with FM, Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed confidence about the upcoming tourism boom, stating "all indications are that we are well above the 2018 highs." The optimistic revelation is a testament to the city's resilience against the backdrop of the tourism industry's worldwide downturn due to the pandemic.
Despite the slump in previous years, Cape Town's tenacity and allure has managed to retain its positioning as a prime tourist destination. With its blend of stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, the city remains unrivalled as a key player in global tourism.
This promising forecast is not just crucial for the tourism sector, but also for the city's economy as a whole. The surge in the number of visitors will likely serve as a powerful catalyst for job creation, business revival, and economic growth, benefiting the city at large.
But while Cape Town gears up for a bustling summer, local authorities are also focused on ensuring traveller safety amidst the ongoing pandemic. The city aims to provide both a memorable and safe experience for its summer visitors, emphasising that the health of both tourists and residents remains a priority.