Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic
Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer said South African Tourism’s (SAT) annual performance report for 2024 highlights the robust recovery of the Western Cape tourism industry.
He was speaking following the release of the SAT’s performance report for 2024, which coincided with the WTM Africa (World Travel Market Africa), held in Cape Town last week. The event saw record participation from 96 countries, featured 742 exhibitors and attracted nearly 6 000 industry professionals.
According to Meyer the report highlighted an overall increase of 6,8% in international-tourist arrivals to the Western Cape.
He said: “The majority of the Western Cape’s top 10 international markets showed positive growth, with the US (+16,5%), Zimbabwe (+32,7%), and Australia (+27,4%) posting double-digit growth; only the UK (-3,2%) and Lesotho (-1,9%) showed slight declines.”
The report also shows the Western Cape is excellent at attracting first-time visitors to South Africa, with nearly 49% of international tourists visiting for the first time.
The minister said: “Domestic tourism remains a significant source of revenue for the province, with domestic tourists spending R18,6 billion in 2024. Notably, the province benefits from the highest national
average spend per trip, at R5 371.
Director of Tourism Jacques Stoltz said research commissioned in 2024 by the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism shows South Africa can generate an additional R17,8 billion, stimulating more than 100 000 jobs by 2023 if it removed visa restrictions on tourists from Nigeria, India and China.
He further highlighted an efficient and modernised eVisa system would similarly attract an additional 52 667 tourists by 2030, generating R1,9 billion in additional revenue.
Meyer highlighted a growing demand for sustainable tourism experiences and products.
“The Western Cape Government has supported 15 tourism businesses across the province, which equipped them to better respond to the market.
One of the project participants, Stellenbosch-based Township & Village, received global recognition for its efforts in responsible tourism, winning a gold award at the
Responsible Tourism Awards Africa on Thursday evening at the World Travel Market Africa.
“With support from the Western Cape Government’s Tourism Growth Fund
!Khwa ttu San Culture and Education Centre introduced a sustainable sourcing policy for food and beverage, prioritising foraged ingredients and ethical, artisanal suppliers, reviving ancient food traditions, creating economic opportunities, and promoting cultural and environmental conservation. For this initiative !Khwa ttu received a gold award.”
Other Western Cape winners at the Responsible Tourism Awards last week:
Silver award: Uthando, The Heart of Cape Town
Silver award: Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company
