Cape Town’s beautiful beaches, rugged mountains, and historical sites have long drawn visitors from all over the world. This year, the city’s charm attracted many more visitors thanks to the cruise industry’s substantial contribution to the local economy.
Cape Town’s Economy Is Soaring
Cape Town’s economy beat a little quicker during the recent cruise season. Over 145,000 excited passengers and an extra 42,000 crew members disembarked from the 70 magnificent ships that docked at the Cape Town Cruise Terminal. The cash registers were overflowing with an astounding R300 million (€14.4m) as the streets throbbed to the rhythm of their footsteps.
Data from the Cruise Lines International Association provides some background. They show that travellers spend a hefty US$750 (about R14,000) while in a port city. Multiply this by the many tourists Cape Town hosted, and the results are clear.
The Majestic Voyagers
There are a select few major cruise liners that have truly made their mark in Cape Town’s waters and contributed to the economy financially:
- The Oceanic Opulence: Known for its regal appearance and unmatched luxury, the Oceanic Opulence’s Cape Town stopover has become a much-anticipated annual event. With its onboard casinos, multi-cuisine restaurants, and panoramic viewing decks, the ship alone contributes a hefty chunk to the city’s tourism coffers. An anecdote that’s become legendary in local circles recounts a spontaneous auction on the ship, where a rare African artifact fetched a five-figure sum, much to the astonishment of onlookers!
- Voyager’s Retreat: This ship, with its unique focus on wellness and relaxation, attracts a niche crowd. From yoga sessions overlooking Table Mountain to organic South African wine tastings, Voyager’s Retreat has turned Cape Town’s natural beauty into a holistic experience.
- The African Duchess: Tailored for history and culture enthusiasts, this cruise liner hosts expert-led tours through Cape Town’s rich heritage sites. Their sunset gala, set against the backdrop of the city’s silhouette, is one of the most sought-after events on their calendar.
Gauging the Impact
While numbers tell a story, it’s these ships and their unique engagements with Cape Town that breathe life into the statistics. For instance, during their stay, The African Duchess partners with local artisans, providing a platform to showcase indigenous crafts, resulting in soaring sales for local businesses.
The Cruise Industry is Cape Town’s Bread and Butter
South African Tourism recently hosted a Cruise Tourism Workshop, and when Alderman James Vos addressed the crowd, his enthusiasm was contagious. He hailed the cruise industry as a bright spot, saying it was essential to Cape Town’s economic growth.
The current upswing is just the beginning. Vos believes the cruise industry has limitless potential, suggesting even larger economic benefits for the city, province, and country. Vos reaffirmed the City’s dedication to coordinating with the tourism industry and the world-famous V&A Waterfront with a view toward the future. What is it that they are both trying to accomplish? Increase Cape Town’s visibility around the world so that it becomes a preferred port of call for cruise ships.
Why is that? It’s not simply about making money. In Cape Town alone, tourism supports close to 150,000 jobs. The city’s economy, dreams, and optimism are all bolstered each time a ship docks and a visitor lays foot on the ground.
And the financial benefits aren’t the only motivation. Vos makes the astute observation that the tourism sector is more than that. It’s the channel via which South Africa’s legacy, history, culture, and natural beauty are shared with the rest of the globe.
Making Future Plans
Cape Town is already basking in the afterglow of this season’s victory, but even better days are on the horizon. Cape Town is more than just a transit point thanks to the efforts of city officials, tourism boards, and other interested parties. It’s a place to go, something to do, and an impression that will last with people so they can go back for more.