CAPE TOWN – Cape Town has officially secured its position as the Best City in the World after winning the prestigious Telegraph Travel Awards 2025, marking the seventh time the South African coastal metropolis has claimed this coveted title. This latest accolade comes just six months after Time Out magazine also crowned Cape Town as the world’s best city in January 2025.
More than 20 000 UK travelers cast their votes in The Telegraph’s annual travel survey, with Cape Town outshining global tourism powerhouses including Seville, Sydney, and Tokyo. This back-to-back international recognition confirms what locals have long known – Cape Town offers an unmatched combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and world-class hospitality.
Why Cape Town continues to top global travel lists
The Telegraph’s assessment highlights the city’s extraordinary visual appeal: “Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope.”
This unique blend of urban sophistication and natural wonders – from the iconic Table Mountain cable car experience to the pristine beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay – continues to draw international visitors year after year.
Tourism strategy driving Cape Town’s global success
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, attributes this consistent international recognition to strategic tourism initiatives and community involvement.
“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” Vos explains. “From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people.”
The city’s focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, have successfully positioned the Mother City’s unique experiences on the global stage, driving tourism demand while ensuring benefits for local communities.
Economic impact of Cape Town’s tourism success
The Western Cape’s tourism industry continues to be a powerful economic driver. Recent statistics show the 2023/24 cruise season alone contributed over R1.32 billion to the regional economy while supporting more than 2 000 jobs. Additionally, Cape Town International Airport reported a record-breaking 3.08 million passenger arrivals during the same period.
Briony Brookes, Chief Marketing Officer of Cape Town Tourism, celebrates the significance of this repeated recognition: “Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights… okay, maybe just a little. More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world.”
Western Cape’s full tourism experience
The award celebrates not just Cape Town but the entire Western Cape province’s tourism offering. Visitors to the region can experience:
- Table Mountain National Park and the iconic cable car ride
- The historic V&A Waterfront shopping and entertainment district
- World-famous Cape Winelands in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia
- The scenic coastal drives along Chapman’s Peak
- Cultural heritage sites like Robben Island
- Adventure activities from shark cage diving to paragliding
- The spectacular Garden Route
- Diverse culinary experiences showcasing local and international cuisine
Noko Masipa, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, emphasizes the broader impact: “The recognition of Cape Town by over 20 000 travelers proves what we already know – that the Western Cape is a world-class destination with world-class offerings.”
Looking ahead: Cape Town’s tourism future
With two global “Best City” titles already secured in 2025, Cape Town’s tourism sector shows no signs of slowing down. The city continues to evolve its offerings while maintaining the authentic experiences and natural beauty that have made it a perennial favorite among international travelers.
Cape Town isn’t just worth visiting; it’s officially the best city destination in the world.
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