The Western Cape has recorded a strong tourism performance in 2025, generating nearly R26 billion in revenue and positioning itself as one of South Africa’s most resilient economic regions amid uneven national recovery.
According to the latest figures released by South African Tourism, the province welcomed approximately 1.5 million international visitors over the past year. This accounted for roughly a quarter of South Africa’s total international tourism revenue, underscoring the province’s dominant role in the national tourism sector.
International arrivals to the Western Cape increased by 11.1% year-on-year, reflecting sustained global demand and renewed confidence in long-haul travel markets.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Ivan Meyer said the performance highlights both economic growth and tangible social impact.
Strong international demand and market resilience
Key source markets such as the United Kingdom and Germany continued to drive international arrivals in 2025, reinforcing the province’s appeal to long-haul travellers.
The Western Cape’s tourism recovery has also been supported by steady investment in destination infrastructure and marketing, helping maintain its position as one of Africa’s leading tourism hubs.
Meyer noted that tourism growth continues to play a direct role in job creation and broader economic development across the province.
“When tourism grows, jobs are created,” he said, adding that the Western Cape remains a “land of opportunity” with one of the lowest unemployment rates in South Africa.
Domestic tourism rebound supports local economy
While international tourism remains a key driver, domestic travel has also shown strong recovery. The province recorded approximately four million overnight trips in 2025, marking a 15.4% increase compared with the previous year.
The Western Cape also achieved the highest average domestic spend per overnight trip in the country at R3,172, indicating strong consumer value and spending capacity within the sector.
These figures suggest that the province is successfully attracting higher-value visitors while maintaining a diversified tourism base.
Recognition for responsible tourism practices
Beyond economic performance, the Western Cape has also gained international recognition for sustainable and community-based tourism practices.
At the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards 2026, several provincial organisations received accolades for their contributions to inclusive growth and environmental stewardship.
The V&A Waterfront Academy and Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company were awarded Gold for their work in skills development, environmental management, and inclusive economic participation. Unexplored Cape Town received a Silver Award for community-based tourism initiatives, while Stellenbosch-based Township & Village was recognised for its community-driven model.
The Cape Tourist Guides Association was also named “One to Watch”, highlighting emerging innovation in the sector.
Strategic shift to sustain long-term growth
Despite positive growth trends, provincial authorities acknowledge that domestic tourism spending remains under pressure in a challenging economic environment.
In response, the Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism is refining its strategy to improve sector resilience and long-term sustainability.
Key priorities include promoting value-for-money tourism products, encouraging visitors to explore destinations beyond traditional hotspots, and strengthening support for small and medium-sized tourism enterprises.
Officials say the goal is to ensure that tourism growth translates into broader economic inclusion and job creation across communities.
Meyer emphasised that tourism development must remain people-centred.
“Tourism must work for the people of the Western Cape,” he said. “By combining strong demand, responsible leadership and targeted support, we are ensuring that tourism growth delivers real and lasting value for our communities.”
Source: South African Tourism statistics and Western Cape Department of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism.
