Cape Town has achieved a milestone in its tourism sector, with the 2024/25 cruise season marking the longest and most successful period in the province’s history. The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape has welcomed the unprecedented success, which positions Cape Town firmly among the world’s premier tourist destinations.
Record-breaking numbers tell the story
The season delivered an impressive 83 ship calls throughout the period, including 11 inaugural visits from cruise lines new to the destination. The momentum peaked in March with a record-breaking 22 ship visits in a single month, demonstrating the growing international appetite for Cape Town as a cruise destination.
These remarkable figures build on the success of the previous 2023/24 season, which generated R1.32 billion for the provincial economy and directly supported 2 000 jobs. The results represent the tangible success of Cruise Cape Town, an initiative run by Wesgro, the Western Cape Government’s investment and tourism promotion entity.
Cape Town cruise tourism competing globally
“Wesgro’s work to promote the Western Cape as a premier tourism destination is clearly bearing fruit,” said Noko Masipa MPP. “More and more travellers are choosing Cape Town when planning their holidays, putting it on the same map as cities like Paris and Rome.”
This comparison to Europe’s most celebrated destinations reflects Cape Town’s unique position as a city that offers both natural beauty and cultural richness. From the iconic Table Mountain and pristine beaches to world-renowned wine regions and vibrant cultural experiences, Cape Town provides a diverse portfolio that appeals to discerning international travelers.
Strategic growth driving results
The success stems from the DA-led Western Cape Government’s Growth for Jobs strategy, which identifies tourism as a priority sector. The coordinated approach combines strategic infrastructure investment with targeted international promotion, catalytic partnerships with industry stakeholders, and a focus on sustainable tourism development.
The cruise tourism growth exemplifies how strategic planning and execution can unlock significant economic opportunities while creating meaningful employment for local communities. This targeted approach has transformed Cape Town’s cruise offering from a regional attraction into an internationally competitive destination.
Economic impact beyond the harbour
The ripple effects of cruise tourism extend far beyond the V&A Waterfront where most ships dock. Passengers and crew members contribute to local businesses ranging from restaurants and shops to tour operators and transport services. The tourism boost also supports jobs in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and cultural attractions throughout the broader Cape Town region.
Looking ahead
With an economic impact assessment for the 2024/25 season currently underway, expectations are high for continued growth. The DA anticipates the results will confirm that Cruise Cape Town’s expanded reach has translated into even greater economic returns than the previous season’s impressive R1.32 billion contribution.
The success of Cape Town’s cruise tourism sector reflects broader trends that position the city as a must-visit destination on the global tourism map. As international travel continues to recover and evolve, Cape Town’s combination of natural attractions, cultural experiences, and world-class infrastructure ensures its place among the world’s top tourist destinations.
