The docking of the World Odyssey at the Port of Cape Town signifies the beginning of South Africa’s cruise season, which will see the docking and sailing of 268 passenger liners at the commercial seaports operated by Transnet National Ports Authority (TNPA).
The vessel arrived on 22 October 2024 at the port renowned for being a popular stopover for cruise liners and was recently voted as Africa’s Leading Cruise Port in the 31st Annual World Travel Awards.
Sailing under the flag of the Bahamas, the World Odyssey cruise liner brought approximately 538 international tourists onboard, paving the way for a projected 130 000 tourists anticipated to visit Cape Town during this cruise season.
The 268 scheduled passenger liners, represents an increase of 29% from 207 call-ins in the previous year.
These vessels will pull along at seven South African commercial seaports, with Cape Town set to welcome 88 call-ins, 47 for Durban, 43 for Gqeberha, 27 for Mossel Bay, five for Saldanha, 14 each for Richards Bay and East London.
“The upsurge in the anticipated vessel call-ins this season supports the strategic positioning of South Africa’s ports as key drivers of economic growth and gateways for international trade.
“The cruise liner segment is one of the fastest-growing contributors to the country’s GDP through tourism revenue. As TNPA, we look forward to collaborating with cruise tourism stakeholders to support the growth of the economy.
“Building on the success of the previous cruise season, TNPA continues to provide reliable marine services as well as creating berth capacity to enable an efficient cruise vessel service,” said Advocate Phyllis Difeto, the TNPA Acting Chief Executive.
TNPA anticipates that more vessels will be confirmed as the cruise season progresses.
TNPA is responsible for the safe, effective, and efficient economic functioning of the national port system, which it manages in a landlord capacity.
It provides port infrastructure and marine services at the eight commercial seaports in South Africa – Richards Bay, Durban, Saldanha, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London, Mossel Bay and Ngqura.
It also operates within a legislative and regulatory environment and is governed by the National Ports Act (Act No. 12 of 2005). – SAnews.gov.za
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