The Western Cape welcomed 1.5 million international visitors in 2025, with tourists spending almost R25.9 billion in the province, according to South African Tourism data released by the Western Cape Government, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The figures arrive as World Tourism Day is marked on 27 September, offering a snapshot of the scale of the province’s tourism economy and its appeal to travellers from around the world.
International tourist arrivals to the Western Cape increased by 11.1% during 2025, with the province accounting for around a quarter of South Africa’s international tourism revenue. The Western Cape Government says the United Kingdom and Germany remained the province’s largest international source markets.
Domestic travel adds another four million trips
International visitors were not the only travellers contributing to the province’s tourism numbers.
The Western Cape recorded approximately four million domestic overnight trips in 2025, marking a 15.4% increase from the previous year. The province also recorded the country’s highest average spend per domestic overnight trip, at R3 172, according to the Western Cape Government.
For Cape Town and destinations across the province, the figures reflect the breadth of the local tourism offering, from the city’s well-known attractions to coastal towns, winelands destinations and outdoor experiences.
Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Economic Development and Tourism Dr Ivan Meyer said the results showed continued demand from both international and domestic travellers.
‘The Western Cape’s tourism performance in 2025 confirms that our province remains a top choice for both international and domestic travellers.’
The province is now looking to turn that visitor demand into broader economic benefits, with its tourism strategy focused on encouraging spending, spreading visitors across more areas and supporting responsible tourism.
For a province where tourism is closely tied to its natural landscapes, food, wine, culture and outdoor experiences, the latest figures underline just how significant visitor spending has become to the local economy.
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