The Western Cape attracted 1.5 million international tourists who spent R25.9 billion in the province during 2025, accounting for a quarter of South Africa’s international tourism revenue.
Newly released data from South African Tourism shows international tourist arrivals in the Western Cape grew by 11.1% in 2025, whilst domestic tourism recorded four million overnight trips, a 15.4% increase on the previous year.
The United Kingdom and Germany remained the province’s largest international source markets, underlining its strength in attracting long-haul holiday travellers.
Domestic visitors to the Western Cape achieved the highest average spend per overnight trip in the country at R3 172, demonstrating the province’s ability to attract higher-value visitors.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, said the province remains a top choice for both international and domestic travellers.
“We are building a tourism economy that continues to create jobs, supports communities, and protects our natural heritage,” Meyer said.
“These figures demonstrate the Western Cape’s ability to attract higher-value visitors and to support a wide range of tourism businesses, even in a constrained economic environment.”
The Western Cape has the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
Several Western Cape tourism organisations received recognition at the 2026 World Travel Market Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
The V&A Waterfront Academy and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company received gold awards for excellence in skills development, environmental management and inclusive economic outcomes.
Unexplored Cape Town received a silver award for community-based, locally led tourism experiences, whilst the Cape Tourist Guides Association was named “One to Watch” for its commitment to ethical, professional and responsible guiding.
Township & Village, based in Stellenbosch, was praised for its community-driven tourism model that keeps value within local economies.
The Department of Economic Development and Tourism plans to encourage value-for-money offerings, promote geographic spread across the province’s towns and regions, and support responsible tourism practices that create jobs and grow small businesses.
“Tourism must work for the people of the Western Cape,” Meyer said. “By combining strong demand, responsible leadership and targeted support, we are ensuring that tourism growth translates into real and lasting value for our communities.”
