Western Cape Shatters Tourism Records with Over 400K Visitors in December

The Western Cape, South Africa's premier tourist destination, particularly the vibrant city of Cape Town, has witnessed a historic surge in visitor numbers this past December. Wesgro, the region's promotional body for trade, investment, and tourism, highlighted that an unprecedented influx of over 400,000 tourists graced the province, contributing significantly to the local economy and job market.

With this remarkable increase in tourism, several of the province's attractions saw a spike in visitor attendance. Table Mountain National Park, a jewel in Cape Town's crown, recorded a 21.9% increase in attendance over the same period last year, a clear testament to its enduring appeal. Not far behind, the idyllic Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden enjoyed a 5.5% rise, and the historic Robben Island saw a growth of 2.8% in visitation.

Adding to these impressive figures, other attractions in the region collectively welcomed close to 20,000 visitors. These included the scenic Harold Porter National Botanical Garden, the historic Cape Agulhas Lighthouse, the Arniston Hotel & Spa, the cultural heritage site of !Khwa ttu, the intriguing Shipwreck Museum, and the captivating Panthera Africa Big Cat Sanctuary.

Mireille Wenger, the province’s Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, proudly acknowledged the record-shattering tourist season, emphasizing its positive impact on the Western Cape's economy. Tourism is a vital source of employment in the province, and these numbers mirror the sector's robust recovery and potential for sustainable growth.

Furthermore, transport hubs in the Western Cape have similarly outperformed expectations. Cape Town International Airport, a gateway to the region, shattered its previous records. The airport's international terminal witnessed a staggering 17% year-on-year growth in December, rounding off a remarkable year with a 48% increase in international passenger traffic, compared to 2022. This growth eclipses the pre-pandemic highs of 2019, positioning Cape Town's airport as a pivotal hub in southern Africa.

Not to be overshadowed, George Airport experienced a significant uptick in passenger numbers, with a 31% increase year-on-year this December. Over 83,000 passengers passed through its terminals, an indicator of the Garden Route's revival and its escalating popularity among domestic travelers.

Such record-breaking figures are a clear indication of the Western Cape's resilience and its unwavering allure as a top tourist destination, with both local and international visitors driving remarkable growth in the industry.