54% Increase in Visitor Numbers

Footfall to 14 participating attractions across the five regions of the Western Cape recorded a total of 176,651 visitors in May 2023. This is a 54% growth in the number of visitors compared to May 2022.

This is according to the monthly tourism report, compiled by the Western Cape Government’s official tourism, trade and investment promotion agency, Wesgro.

“This is truly great news for our many wonderful attractions across the Western Cape. During the winter holidays, I, like many parents in the province, look for ways to keep children occupied and entertained and we are spoiled for choice in the Western Cape. I encourage parents to take advantage of and explore the many wonderful attractions with their children and to do so safely if they are traveling on our roads this wet winter.” said Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, Mireille Wenger.

Other highlights from the report include:

• International two-way passengers through Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) remained strong between Jan and May 2023, fully recovering to 105% compared to 2019;
• 2.7 million domestic two-way passengers passed through CTIA between Jan and May 2023;
• Two-way passengers through George Airport’s two-way passengers reached 327,179 between Jan and May 2023, a 3% year-on-year increase compared to January – May 2022;
• In the month of May 2023, Cape Town recorded a total of 46,966 tourist arrivals via air, 86% of which from overseas markets and 14% from the African continent;
• The share of overseas tourists to Cape Town recorded in May 2023 reached full recovery when compared to pre-pandemic levels;
• The UK led as the top source market to Cape Town (via air) between January and May 2023, closely followed by Germany, USA, Netherlands and France in the top 5 positions;
• The European market remains the largest contributor to tourist arrivals into Cape Town, with 6 out of the top 10 source markets originating from the continent; and
• 6 out of the 14 participating attractions fully recovered in May 2023 when compared to visitor levels recorded in May 2019.

“I am very pleased that the first five months of 2023 continue to show a sustained recovery in tourism in the province and our international tourists’ numbers remain robust. Based on conversations with tourism stakeholders, we are now hoping for a strong demand for travel during the Western Cape’s winter period. So, to residents, let’s get out and explore our stunning province these holidays and support our tourism businesses while keeping the kids entertained and engaged.” concluded Minister Wenger.