The Western Cape has emerged as a formidable player in the international tourism arena, with 1.5 million international tourists spending an impressive R25.9 billion in 2025, Cape {town} Etc reports.
According to recently released data from South African Tourism, the province witnessed an 11.1% increase in international tourist arrivals, further cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s leading tourism hubs.
‘When tourism grows, jobs are created,’ noted Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism, Dr Ivan Meyer, emphasising that the province boasts the lowest unemployment rate in the country, making it a land of opportunity.
The growth of tourism not only signifies an influx of foreign currency but also fosters job creation across various sectors.
In addition to attracting international travellers, domestic tourism in the Western Cape showed remarkable resilience with approximately four million domestic overnight trips recorded in 2025, a 15.4% increase.
The province also achieved the highest average spend per domestic overnight trip in the country, amounting to R3 172.
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Meyer highlighted the importance of this economic activity, stating, ‘These figures demonstrate the Western Cape’s ability to attract higher-value visitors and support a wide range of tourism businesses, even in a constrained economic environment.’
The United Kingdom and Germany remained the largest source markets for international visitors, underscoring the province’s appeal to long-haul holiday travellers.
The recent World Travel Market Africa showcased the Western Cape’s commitment to sustainable tourism practices. Several organisations received accolades at the 2026 WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards.
The V&A Waterfront Academy and the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway Company both clinched Gold Awards for excellence in skills development, environmental management, and inclusive economic outcomes.
Unexplored Cape Town was recognised with a Silver Award for its community-based, locally led tourism experiences, while the Cape Tourist Guides Association received the ‘One to Watch’ honour for its commitment to ethical and responsible guiding.
‘These award winners show what is possible when tourism is designed to benefit local people as much as visitors,’ Meyer stated. ‘They set an example for the sector not only in the Western Cape, but across Africa,’
As domestic travel volumes rise nationally, the Western Cape Government is actively refining strategies to bolster the sector’s resilience in light of economic challenges.
To this end, the Department of Economic Development and Tourism is focused on encouraging value-for-money offerings that stimulate additional spending linked to Visiting Friends and Relatives (VFR) travel, promoting geographic spread to enable visitors to explore diverse towns and regions, and supporting responsible tourism practices that create jobs and protect natural and cultural assets.
‘Our approach is clear,’ summed up Meyer. ‘Tourism must work for the people of the Western Cape. By combining strong demand, responsible leadership, and targeted support, we are ensuring that tourism growth translates into real and lasting value for our communities.’
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Picture: Western Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism
