Cape’s tourism numbers soar

The positive trends in Western Cape tourism figures continued in January supporting forecasts that this will be the Cape’s best summer ever.

Interim summer statistics for November 2011 to January 2012 reflect an increase in arrivals at the Cape Town International Airports as well as greater visitor numbers at the main attractions in Cape Town.

International arrivals are up by more than 14% from 214 607 in November 2010 – January 2011 to 245 029 over the same period this season. Total arrivals this season are up by almost 10% compared to the last season.

“The main attractions are also performing very well with Table Mountain National Park seeing a 20% increase in visitors. We are also very pleased to see that Robben Island recorded a 10% increase in visitor numbers over the full period after a much better performance in January.

“The upswing we are experiencing this summer season is as a result of effective strategies employed by all players in the tourism industry to encourage travellers emerging from the global recession to experience the outstanding offering available in Cape Town and the Western Cape,” says Alan Winde, MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism.

“After being voted one of the New7Wonders of the Nature, Table Mountain has understandably become the must-see attraction in Cape Town. Statistics for November 2011 to January 2012 show a 25% increase (from 234 973 to 294 077) compared to the same period last season.

“This clearly illustrates the impact that international accolades can have on the popularity of an attraction,” added Calvyn Gilfellan, CEO of Cape Town Routes Unlimited, the destination marketing organisation for Cape Town and the Western Cape.