Mireille Wenger, MEC for finance and economic opportunities in the Western Cape, has praised the growing number of two-way passengers passing through Cape Town International Airport (CTIA).
Also read: Cape Winelands Airport expansion project open for public comment
According to Wenger, a recent tourism report by the Western Cape Government’s trade, investment and tourism promotion agency (Wesgro) revealed that two-way passengers through the CTIA international terminal exceeded two million between January and October 2023, outperforming pre-pandemic levels and growing by 57% when compared to the same period in 2022.
Domestically, more than 5.5 million two-way passengers passed through the CTIA domestic terminal between January and October 2023, a 15% increase over the same period in 2022.
Meanwhile, between January and October 2023, two-way passengers through George Airport reached 645 172, a 3% increase over the same period in 2022.
Cape {town} Etc discount: Embark on a round trip from Cape Town to the Winelands and back for R2 449 (valued at R3 500). Get it here.
‘We are very excited for the upcoming summer tourism season, which is shaping up to be truly impressive, if not record-breaking, as we are expecting 25% more international visitors than last season, exceeding one million inbound seats for the first time,’ Wenger said.
‘This is fantastic news for a sector that contributes so much to the Western Cape’s economic impact and job creation.’
Wesgro’s monthly tourism report also boasted news about international route highlights, including Air France returning with a seasonal non-stop service between Paris and Cape Town from the end of October, operating three flights a week until the end of March, and increasing to five flights a week between January 17 and February 27, 2024.
The report also touched on the year-to-date total of air arrivals from Africa, which fully recovered for the first time in October 2023 compared with January and October 2019, and mentioned that the top contributors to the Western Cape’s overall performance were wineries and vineyards (21%), restaurants and dining (16%), and beaches (12%).
With a global rank of number 6 this quarter, wineries and vineyards ranked among the top destinations in the world.
‘We know that tourism is a catalyst for economic growth and job creation,’ Wenger said. ‘For every 100 international tourists who visit the Western Cape in 2022, for example, two local jobs will be created. This is why we will continue to work hard with all stakeholders to remove barriers to the sector’s growth and attract as many visitors as possible.’
‘I strongly believe that by working together with all stakeholders, toward the same goal of economic growth that leads to prosperity, we can make an impact on and improve the lives of our residents,’ she said.
Unleash your inner explorer with these incredible car deals, all priced under R100 000. Find car listings here.
Also read:
Man dies before boarding flight at Cape Town International Airport
Picture: Grant Durr / Unsplash