Western Cape's Record-Breaking Summer Tourism Season Anticipated

The Western Cape Government (WCG) is primed and ready for a robust tourist season this summer. Reiterating this sentiment at the second-ever Summer Tourism Readiness Dialogue, Western Cape Finance and Economic Opportunities MEC Mireille Wenger anticipates a 'record-breaking season' with a forecast of a million-plus international flight seats inbound.

The Dialogues, hosted by Wenger and colorfully attended by various stakeholders from the tourism and hospitality sector, serve as a platform to solidify plans for a successful tourist season. Prominent representatives at the event include personalities from the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, Airports Company South Africa, Air Access, and Cruise Cape Town etc.

Despite the already considerable accomplishments of the province in recent months, Wenger still sees potential for expansion. The planned focus for the upcoming season is categorized into three pivotal areas - the visa system, safety, and skills.

Overcoming challenges in the existing visa system to make vacations in the Western Cape and South Africa more convenient for international visitors tops Wenger's priority list. She noted that the promise by the Department of Home Affairs to launch the Remote or Digital Nomad Visa by March 31 has been warmly welcomed by the WCG.

Addressing safety issues, Wenger revealed the progress made in collaboration with the public and private sectors in evolving practical solutions to mitigate and prevent safety risks. The province plans to roll out 250 tourism monitors across the region to identify hot spots during the 2023/24 season.

Giving visitors the best experience is a crucial goal for the Province, which necessitates a skilled workforce. Resultantly, a skills forum that meets regularly to synchronise the efforts of the private sector, government, and academia has been established.